Take bribes but don't say thank you, Raila tells Kenyans

ODM leader Raila Odinga has accused some of his opponents of looting the country's coffers and using the stolen proceeds in massive voter bribery.

Speaking during a series of stops in a tour of Nairobi's Eastlands, Raila said voters should take the handouts because its their taxes.

“If they bring the money, take it. But don't say thank you. In fact tell them, come tomorrow and bring another,” he said.

The former Prime Minister said the looting culprits have been engaged in endless big money fundraisers that even transnational blue-chip firms cannot finance.

“Where are they getting all the millions? They come here and claim how philanthropic they are, that they are God fearing. Takataka!,” Raila said at Jacaranda.

In an apparent reference to Deputy President William Ruto, Raila said some of those stealing from government coffers today, he had fired when he was PM.

He attempted to kick out Ruto as Agriculture minister. However, the move was blocked by then President Mwai Kibaki.

Raila said over Sh700 billion is stolen from government every year, adding that the amount is more than enough to provide the Sh6,000 stipend to poor households.

“I Raila Amolo Odinga. I have been Prime Minister of this country. I know where the money is. I know the loopholes they are using to loot.”

Speaking earlier at Jesus Teaching Ministry, Soweto in Embakasi East, the ODM leader vowed to press on with his push to unite the country before and after 2022 general election.

Raila said he will not relent in his quest to bring Kenyans together as they move towards a period that could be divisive.

“I will continue to talk about unity of the country because it is key for our nation. Kenya must be one and that is the country that we all want,” he said.

He condemned discrimination based on ethnic lines saying no Kenyan chose to belong to a particular tribe.

“Kenya was on the verge of disintegration after the 2017 elections and that is why I sat down with President Uhuru Kenyatta and we agreed to bring the country together,” he said.

Legislators Caleb Amisi (Saboti), George Aladwa (Makadara), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Maina Kamanda (Nominated), Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman Rep), Sabina Chege (Murang'a Woman Rep), CASs Rachel Shebesh (Youth Affairs) and Beatrice Elachi (Public Service) and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo accompanied Raila.

Raila quoted Tanzania's founding father Julius Nyerere who said unity of Africa will not make the continent rich but it would make it difficult for African people to be disregarded and humiliated.

“I will keep on driving the handshake agenda, which is to unite the country,” he said.

In August, Raila launched his Azimio la Umoja campaign slogan in Nakuru county which mirrored his call for unity.

He unveiled his strategic plan aimed at uniting the country ahead of the 2022 elections saying Azimio la Umoja provides a conducive environment for the realisation of the Vision 2030.

Kamanda said Kenya would have fallen apart had Uhuru and Raila not put aside their differences for the sake of unity of the country.

“Before the March 2018 handshake, we were almost going to the fire. Uhuru and Baba came together and prevented what would have been total chaos,” he said.

“We were telling Uhuru to use all his powers while at the same time Baba knew he had the people and he would have marched straight into State House.”

He described the two leaders as statesmen saying there were few such people in the continent.

Gumo asked Kenyans to give Raila a chance to lead the country in 2022 saying the former Prime Minister has demonstrated he has the interest of Kenya at heart.

“I assure you if you give Raila the opportunity to lead this country, he will perform wonders. We need good leadership. We know so many people who have made good promises but never delivered,” he added.

Raila used the occasion to remind his supporters that he will declare his presidential bid on December 10.

“I have gone to all regions of the country where I have been asking people if I should go for the top seat. Next month on December 10, at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, I will announce my decision.”

Even though there has been no doubt that he will contest for the top seat, the former Prime Minister has not formally declared his candidature.

It will be Raila's fifth stab at the presidency, having made unsuccessful runs in 1997, 2007, 2013 and 2017.

-Edited by SKanyara