- Nyanza has 3.1 million votes, including Kisii and Nyamira.
- Raila tells supporters to stay at polling stations until results are announced.
Image: DENNIS KAVISU
Azimio presidential hopeful Raila Odinga on Thursday started his Nyanza campaign in Migori, calling for high voter turnout and overwhelming victory.
Raila began a four-day campaign blitz in his backyard as his Kenya Kwanza rival, DP William Ruto, unveiled his manifesto.
The ODM leader asked residents to cast their votes to a man/woman, saying that is the only way to vanquish Ruto in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said the DP has for a long time dared him to a contest and he is ready to face off with Ruto on August 9.
The two frontrunners have intensified their countrywide vote hunt with 38 days to the general election.
Raila led a strong Azimio team to Migori, while running mate Martha Karua was campaigning in nearby Kisii.
The revved-up campaigns are part of the coalition’s strategy to ensure Raila reaches the 15 million votes target.
Speaking in Nyatike, Migori county, Raila told residents to give him 100 per cent votes in Nyanza, which has 3.1 million registered voters.
On that night, I want our men not to sleep in their houses. After voting, you don’t leave the station until the votes are tallied because we are in a warRaila Odinga
“Don’t fail to vote because you think we already have enough numbers. You must come out and cast your vote. I want 100 per cent turnout from Nyanza," he said.
He was accompanied by Azimio Chief Minister nominee Kalonzo Musyoka, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, MPs John Mbadi (Suba South), Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Ben Momanyi (Borabu) and Senator Ochilo Ayacko.
"Do not leave polling stations after voting until all the votes are tallied and the results declared", he said.
“On that night, I want our men not to sleep in their houses. After voting, you don’t leave the station until the votes are tallied because we are in a war,” Raila said.
Kalonzo said the intention of that strategy is to prevent any rigging at the polling station.
“After voting, you don’t go home. Stay there and protect the votes,” the Wiper boss said.
The Azimio flagbearer also said the coalition insists on use of both a digital register and a manual backup.
“The manual register must go hand in hand with the electronic register. That is the irreducible minimum,” Raila said.
He said Azimio will reject any attempt by IEBC to use only digital identification, insisting the hybrid system is necessary in any technological failure on the voting day.
The Wiper leader warned IEBC against 'bungling' the August polls with the controversial directive.
He demanded that the agency drops the order ruling out use of manual registers to identify voters at the polling stations.
“How do you do away with the manual register? Don’t mess up the country,” Kalonzo said.
The leaders also promised to implement the Azimio manifesto if they emerge victorious in the August 9 polls.
Raila said his promise of free education and healthcare will benefit thousands of poor families who are currently unable to access the crucial services.
(Edited by V. Graham)