ODM boss launches get-out-the vote drive in Azimio strongholds

Raila Odinga addresses supporters at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega town on August 3, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya has launched a drive dubbed 'Firimbi Movement' to minimise voter apathy in its strongholds four days to the polls.

The movement launched on August 3, 2022, by Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua is also targeted at guarding votes at polling and tallying centres.

Addressing supporters at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega town, Raila said the Tuesday polls are decisive for a nation that desperately needs healing and a safe pair of hands.

"We have five days left, please vote for us since a vote for Azimio is a vote for liberation and one cast for Kenya Kwanza is endorsing graft," he said.

Raila said his government would lead a series of revolutions in industrialisation and agriculture to build the economy and ease the cost of living.

"I have spent time in Germany and know how industrialisation works. I know how to grow the economy. In Kakamega, I will make sure Mumias Sugar is up and running with or without court cases," he said.

Karua said Azimio government would, among other things, offer social protection to two million families who will get Sh6,000 monthly stipend.

"Experts have looked at our manifesto and approved of it even as some think it can't be implemented. We will fulfill it by sealing all corruption loopholes. We don't want a child to die or miss school because of graft perpetrated by a few," she said.

She asked voters to interrogate the character of Azimio and Kenya Kwanza leaders so that they can make informed choices on Tuesday.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli promised to push for workers to get a day to allow them to vote.

Atwoli said Raila was sober and level headed to lead the country compared to Ruto who was yet to get experience to run the State.

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth said that many opinion polls were indicating a Raila victory on Tuesday.

"He has a commanding lead in six of the eight defunct provinces and Central," he said.

Tetu MP Ndung'u wa Githinji said Nyeri was warming up to a Raila presidency "for standing with Mwai Kibaki in 2007."

Former UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi, said Ruto was literally buying support across the nation and this would be exposed on voting day.