PM says community’s backing would propel him to the presidency, urges them not to waste time on others

By Peter Atsiaya and Jane Cherotich

KENYA :Cord presidential candidate and Prime Minister Raila Odinga says he is focused on ensuring that the Luhya community vote for him as a bloc in the coming election.

Raila said the Western region votes were key to his success and told the community not to waste their votes by voting for several presidential candidates.

“The Luhya community would be wasting their votes if they divided them...they should vote for me because Cord is going to form the next government,” said the PM. Raila was speaking at the home of Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli in Khwisero Constituency during a party hosted for him by his supporters from the area yesterday.

There was drama earlier as an Administration police officer barred journalists from accessing the home, saying they were under firm instructions from Atwoli not to allow them in because it was a private function. “I have been told by Atwoli to let you know that you are not needed here. This is a private function and you should respect his decision,” the officer told a battery of journalists outside the main gate.

Efforts by the scribes to reach Atwoli and have them allowed to cover the function were futile as he ignored them. Cabinet ministers Noah Wekesa, Otieno Kajwang’ and Dalmas Otieno, MPs Evans Akula and Jakoyo Midiwo together with the PM’s wife Ida, accompanied Raila.

Time of need

The PM said he meant well for people from Western and they should not abandon him at his time of need. “Luhyas should not be cheated that shienu ne shienu (rally behind one of your own). I am as much a Luhya like any other presidential aspirants you are talking about from this region,” he added.

Atwoli did not declare whether he supported Raila or not, but urged Kenyans to be careful when electing leaders to ensure the right ones are chosen. Wekesa said residents from the region would support Raila and told the PM not to be worried.

“I want to assure Raila that he is the preferred presidential candidate in the region and he will get a giant share of the votes,” said the Kwanza MP.

He added: “I always stand by the team that forms the government. I did that in the 2007 General Election and Kibaki (President) won. Today I am with Raila and he will carry the day.”