Raila warns of coming ODM, Jubilee tsunami

ODM leader Raila Odinga when he concluded his two-day tour of Taita Taveta County by addressing a rally in Voi Town on March 02, 2021. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga yesterday told his rivals to be ready for a political tsunami that would “sweep away forces of corruption” coalescing in the United Democratic Movement.

Speaking in Taita Taveta, Raila said ODM and Jubilee party had crafted a political strategy that would drastically alter the country’s political landscape.

He said the two sides had already reached an agreement.

“ODM and Jubilee new plan will create a countrywide wave or storm. A tsunami from west to east, south to north that will sweep all the waste in Tanga Tanga to the ocean,” he said.

The ODM leader also addressed tension in ODM about primaries for other elective posts at the Coast and said  the aspirants would sit and agree on who to support.

Raila’s quest to solidify his support base at the Coast received a boost after MPs Naomi Shaban (Taveta), Jones Mlolwa (Voi) and Andrew Mwadime (Mwatate) backed his presidential bid.

Dr Shaban and Mlolwa had earlier thrown their weight behind Deputy President William Ruto. Deputy Governor Majala Mlagui, who is an ally of Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, also accompanied Raila.

In a region regarded as an opposition stronghold, the DP is now left with former Governor John Mruttu and Woman Representative Lydia Haika to lead his campaigns.

“It is time for Baba and anybody who thinks otherwise is mistaken and misguided. We are confident that Raila will be the fifth president of the Republic of Kenya,” Shaban declared.

Raila said he supported President Uhuru Kenyatta’s agenda to unite the country and put it on the path to economic growth.

He called on the youth to register in large numbers during the second mass vote registration exercise scheduled to start next week.

“Baba’s soldiers must have weapons to fight. The weapons are a vote’s card and an ID card,” he said.

Raila, accompanied by legislators from both the ruling coalition and the opposition, addressed crowds at Makitau trading centre and Mwatate town.

He said Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja, MPs Shaban, Mlolwa and  Mwadime would led the Azimio la Umoja agenda in Taita Taveta County.

Raila also commissioned the Sh96 million Nyangoro-Maktau water supply project funded by the European Union and the county administration.

“Coast region has supported me for years and it is one of my strongholds. Prepare for economic liberation that will end high poverty and unemployment levels,” he told his supporters.

He told the locals not to be hoodwinked by  Ruto to support his bottom-up economic model, saying it was not good for the country.

“We will provide equal primary, secondary and university education to all Kenyans. We will also provide free water, healthcare and job opportunities to the youth. You should reject the wheelbarrow as it will not give you jobs,” he said.

“I will also introduce Baba Care that will allow Kenyans to access free treatment through National Health Insurance Fund. Those without money will be treated free of charge,” he said.

He said his administration would give cheap loans to Kenyans and a repayment grace period of seven years. He pledged to establish industries in all counties to create wealth and alleviate poverty and unemployment.

Raila told off critics of his social protection fund: “The DP has been spreading lies to Kenyans that the social protection programme would not work as it is a form of handouts.”

He questioned Ruto’s source of wealth, alleging that the DP contributes Sh100 million every month at funds drives and to women and youth groups.