Raila receives defectors from Mandera, promises to work with them

ODM leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid received a boost after he welcomed new supporters from the North-Eastern region.

Speaking at Nairobi's Chungwa House on Tuesday, Raila said: “Our doors are open and we are always elated when we get new members."

Raila said he had always had the interests of Mandera people at heart and promised that things would get better.

The leaders called for equal opportunities in ODM and vowed to campaign for Raila.

Former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission boss Halake Waqo said campaigns for Raila in the region had begun.

“The fact that this party has been strong over the years, its resilience and the strong leadership speaks a lot. It affirms that one is making the right decision,” Waqo said.

ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna promised free and fair nominations and urged them to remain loyal.

Former Rift Valley PC Hassan Noor endorsed Raila's presidential bid, saying the region had challenges like drought and insecurity, and hoped Raila's leadership would save them.