MPs push Raila to contest top seat

ODM leaders want party boss Raila Odinga to vie the presidency in 2022.

Speaking during this year’s Ndhiwa Sports and Cultural Festival at Pala Primary School presided over by Mr Raila, the MPs said the opposition chief stands a better chance of winning.

The debate was started by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma who argued that ODM cannot go to for 2022 presidential election without Raila.

He argued that Raila had earlier told them to stop discussing the 2022 presidential race. However, Mr Kaluma requested the ODM chief to allow him tell Kenyans the opinion of many supporters.

“We need an ODM candidate to win the presidency in the 2022 General Election but we cannot go for that election without Raila as the presidential candidate,” he said.

Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino said Kenyans believe Raila is supported by many Kenyans because he is a Luo.

“Odinga still wields much support across the country because of his good ideas of developing this country. He is not supported because of his tribe,” Mr Owino said.

Winning presidency

Raila's brother, Oburu Oginga argued that it was wrong for anybody to argue that Raila should not contest the presidency because of his age.

He said age cannot deter Raila from winning the presidency and leading Kenya effectively.

“Some people say that Raila is old. This is not true because I am still young yet Raila is my follower,” said Mr Oburu.

He, however, argued that Raila would not be the sole decision maker when it comes to the 2022 race. “ODM will make a decision on who will contest the presidency. Raila will not make it alone,” Oburu added.

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga urged ODM supporters not to get tired with the journey to the house on the hill.