Raila promises to streamline police service and kick out graft

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses a rally at KCB Grounds in Kajiado town on February 2, 2022. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday promised to streamline the police service if elected president.

Mr Raila, who took Azimio la Umoja campaigns to Kajiado County, said his administration will work on programmes to change the image of the police in Kenya.

“You all know the corruption that is in our police institutions. This is one of the issues that make me feel uncomfortable, I will therefore streamline the service,” he said.

The ODM leader first held a closed-door meeting with the clergy before addressing a rally at KCB grounds in Kajiado town to woo the Maa community to support his presidential bid ahead of the August 9 General Election. He later addressed residents during a stopover in Kitengela town.

“Police are there to protect members of the public but not to harass them. Corruption in our government offices will have to end once I take the Government,” said the former Prime Minister.

Raila who was accompanied by governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and other leaders, cautioned the political class against using divisive stereotypes that could sour harmonious relationships between various communities.

“If you hear someone using tribal labels, just know the person is a tribalist. You should run away from him or her,” he said.

The former Prime Minister also promised to streamline the Amboseli National Park revenue collection, saying locals should enjoy its benefit directly. He pledged to create a fund to assist single mothers families. Lenku said the Maa nation will vote for Raila. “We are in Jubilee and PresidentUhuru Kenyatta has been clear on uniting this country. We are supporting the handshake and we shall be in the next handshake government,” he said.

He appealed to aspirants who are eyeing the governor’s seat to conduct peaceful campaigns.

“We are not enemies, we should be fair to those people who are opposing us from the other side. We should therefore work together and maintain peace in our county,” said the governor.

Lenku urged the Maasai to register as voters and vote as a bloc to boost their bargaining power.

“We will have only one candidate under Azimio la Umoja. Jubilee and ODM is now one thing, we should shun our differences and support one person who will be nominated by the people,” he said.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said the Maa community will be in safe hands if they elect Raila president.