A lobby from the Mt Kenya region has said the residents from the grassroots are now supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid.
Ushindi Kenya lobby said Raila will garner 65 per cent of the region's votes.
Led by their chairman Alfred Wanyoike, the group said the tides have changed in the region and the majority of residents who were supporting UDA party are now for Raila.
“We did civic education to ensure Mt Kenya understands the objectives, philosophy and ideals of Azimio. Residents are now aware of the benefits they will reap from Raila’s presidency,” Wanyoike said.
He said the group which has recruited grassroots leaders has been crisscrossing the 11 counties in the region popularising Raila and has managed to water down the political gains UDA has been enjoying in the region.
“This is why UDA is actively campaigning in Mt Kenya because they have realised getting the region's votes will not be a bed of roses. The competition is very tight,” the chairman said.
Mt Kenya Matatu Owners Association chairman Rufus Kariuki who is part of the Ushindi Kenya team said the transport sector players in the region will play a key role in campaigning for Raila.
“We will start having Raila’s posters in our public service vehicles as one way of popularising him. We will have our people in different termini across the region who will be actively campaigning for him,” Kariuki said.
He said key players in the transport sector in the region are confident the sector will grow immensely and reap massive benefits under Raila’s presidency.
The group's vice chairman James Kariuki said the region is now confident that Raila will complete all development projects that have been initiated in the region by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Our people are farmers and business people. We have been assured that key farming sectors will be revived and boosted and that his government will create a conducive environment and favourable policies for our businesses to thrive. We trust he will complete all Uhuru's legacy projects,” Karuri said.
The group said it’s out to water down DP Ruto’s gains in the region and ensure that Raila garners more votes on August 9.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
