By James Munyeki

Prime Minister Raila Odinga continued with his tour of Nyandarua County where he was made a Kikuyu elder.

During a public rally at Ol Kalou township, Raila was adorned with Kikuyu regalia and given a flywhisk to signify he is now an elder.

Speaking during the function, the PM emphasised the need for Kenyans to steer clear of tribal animosity during the campaign, and also urged them to reject being lured into voting along tribal lines.

“I supported President Kibaki in 2002 knowing very well that he was a Kikuyu and you should not look at me as a Luo,” he said.

Propaganda

He reiterated his commitment to the unity of the country, saying he will treat all Kenyans equally if elected president.

Raila insisted he is a nationalist and a reformer who has fought for the rights of all Kenyans irrespective of tribe and no amount of propaganda will distract him from that course.

The PM said all Kenyans should play a role in the important task of transforming the country, adding Kenyans will start realising the fruits of the new law after the General Election.

Recounting the long journey that led to the enactment of a new Constitution in 2010, Raila hit out at those who had attempted to raise false alarm by claiming people’s land would be seized if a new Constitution were adopted.

Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, who accompanied the Prime Minister, challenged the youth to vote in a reform-minded person as the country’s next president.

He said youths in the country were in dire need of reforms, noting Raila has proved he is committed to helping realise this.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Cabinet ministers Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Musa Sirma, Henry Kosgey, Assistant Minister Margaret Wanjiru among other ODM leaders.

Meanwhile, the PM has said the Government would renovate Ol-Kalou District Hospital to match the status it has acquired after it was elevated to a district hospital.

Raila also said there was need to remember fallen heroes for their commitment in bringing justice to the country. He spoke while he officially opened the renamed health facility, which is now known as JM Kariuki Memorial Hospital.

The facility is named after former outspoken Nyandarua North MP JM Kariuki whom the PM termed as a committed nationalist and a reformer.