• He said the handshake team had started the journey towards securing Kenya's future.
• Raila has intensified his battle for Mt Kenya votes and has received the backing of political big guns.
Image: Amos Njau
A section of leaders from the Mount Kenya region on Thursday accompanied ODM leader Raila Odinga on an extensive tour of Kiambu county.
The tour lasted about eight hours.
During the visit, Raila declared the birth of a new dawn in which he and President Uhuru Kenyatta will embark on countrywide tours to unite Kenyans.
He was accompanied by Kiambu Governor James Nyoro, MP Gatundu North Wanjiku Kibe, Maina Kamanda (nominated), Dennis Waweru (former Dagoretti South MP), Kanini Kega (Kieni MP), Rachael Shebesh (former Nairobi Woman Rep) and Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, seen as among the political bigwigs in the region, also joined Raila in Ruiru.
“I would like to congratulate Raila Odinga for finding time to visit Kiambu. Don’t be misled by brokers. Welcome to the ground and listen to the people's voices,” Kabogo said.
Raila has intensified his battle for Mt Kenya votes and has received the backing of political big guns.
The ODM boss first held a consultative meeting with the leaders at Safari Park Hotel before proceeding to launch Gathiruini factory.
He promised to reach out to Agriculture CS Peter Munya to resolve the loan dispute the factory has with the Cooperative Bank.
Nyoro said the factory owes Cooperative Bank of Kenya more than Sh150 million.
Raila said he was at home with Mt Kenya voters, whom he holds dear and will continue to strengthen relations with even after 2022.
He said the handshake team had started the journey towards securing Kenya's future.
The former Prime Minister also visited Kigumo Level 5 Hospital, where he donated X-ray machines worth Sh10 million.
His last stop was in Ruiru town, where the county government has constructed a 150-bed Ruiru Hospital.
Raila told residents he is the best candidate to succeed Uhuru next year.
He said Deputy President William Ruto and his allies are misleading Kenyans with hustler narratives.
Raila said DP’s allies were responsible for the delay of the BBI. He promised he will revive it next year.
“I would like to state that BBI will be back next year and nothing will stop reggae," he said.
MP Kega said Jubilee MPs and opinion leaders are reaching out to everyone in the region to support Raila's presidency bid.
He described Raila as the "prince of peace" who helped the President bring the country together after a very divisive election.
“I would like to tell you that Raila is our fifth president and nothing will change it. We have blessings of Uhuru Kenyatta and we will do as he direct,” Kanini said.
Kamanda said Raila deserves more support from the Mount Kenya region as he supported former President Mwai Kibaki in 2002.
Edited by A.N