Prime Minister Raila Odinga has put in place a campaign network and fundraising structure in the US that is likely to prove crucial in the hunt for Diaspora votes.
Kenyans in the Diaspora mostly concentrated in the US, Canada, UK and South Africa are expected to vote for the first time in the country’s history, thanks to the new Constitution.
The campaign structure to be implemented under the aegis of ODM-USA and Fora (Friends of Raila) is already causing jitters among US-based supporters of Raila and other presidential aspirants.
Raila, his top advisors and media relations and communications experts reportedly approved the network during his recent US tour.
At the top of ‘Raila for President’ USA campaign is ODM-USA Advisory Council composed of Raila’s long-time supporters and fundraisers.
These include Mercy Kamau of Boston, Massachusetts, Sam Osamba of Dallas, Texas, Sam Dawson, John Akumu of Washington DC, George Osewe of Raleigh, North Carolina, John Maina of the PM’s office, Delphnie Ogega, and Siyad Abdullahi. Others are Samwel Oyugi, Robert Nyangudi, Mark Tindi, and George Omburo of Jersey City, New Jersey.
The group is charged with contributing towards election strategies/logistics, mobilising resources, both human and material, recruitment of members, carrying out civic education and organising local activities.
The Raila US campaign has divided the country into what they are calling US Regions for 2012 General Election campaign.
Field officers
Region 1 comprises Northeast (New England & Middle Atlantic). This is the populous region along the East Coast of US commonly known as New England and has a large population of Kenyans. It encompasses states like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Others are Middle Atlantic States like New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Region 2 has Midwest (East North Central & West North Central). East North Central brings together Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin while West North Central covers Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Region 3 covers South (South Atlantic, East South Central, & West South Central)
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