Raila Odinga hails Makueni voters for turning up in large numbers

By Chris Wamalwa in USA

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has hailed the people of Makueni County for turning up in large numbers and handing Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) aspirant  Mutula Kilonzo Jnr a resounding win.

Raila said the landslide win by Kilonzo Jnr in the senate race was a clear indication that the people of Makueni County have confidence in the CORD alliance.

“They tried every trick in their books to create obstacles and hindrances thinking that our candidates would feel harassed and intimidated.  They created confusion and uncertainty thinking they would wear down and discourage our voters. But as the voters of Makueni have shown, in an open and fair  contest, CORD wins and will always win hands down”, he said.

Congratulating the senator-elect Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on his win, Raila who was speaking to The Standard on phone from Dallas, Texas said he would like to personally welcome Mutula Jnr to the CORD and assured him of his support saying, “as CORD leaders, we will complete the journey of making sure that devolution is realised as envisaged in our constitution”.

The former PM who arrived at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport minutes after mid-day to attend a two-day governors conference said even though he felt a little tired from the long flight, he was, however, looking forward to a constructive and useful conference.

“As a country with a brand new devolved system of government, it means we have entered uncharted territories and its only wise we learn and benefit from the cumulative wisdom of those who have already been there. That is the reason we are here. We want to share experiences”, he said.

Raila is leading a team of elected CORD governors to a Bi-National Kenyan Governors Summit that starts Saturday in Dallas, Texas.

The summit, whose theme is “Strategic Vision for Good Governance” is being organised by the Network for Development of Youth in partnership with Summers Dodge International Group.

It is taking place at the Irving Convention Center, 500 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, Texas 75039 in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. 

The Governors accompanying the former PM include Machakos governor Alfred Mutua, Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma, Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong', Kajiado governor David Nkendienye and Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga.

Others are Nyamira governor John Nyang’arama, Trans Nzoia governor Patrick Simiyu Khaemba, Turkana governor Joseph Nanok, Kisii governor James Ongwae, Kilifi governor Amason Kingi, Homa Bay governor Cyprian Awiti and Kwale governor Salim Mvuria.