MERU YOUTH LEADERS CALLS ON RAILA ODINGA TO INTERVENE OVER DISCRIMINATION BY “ HIS PEOPLE “ .

Sections of Meru youth leaders and University students from the Meru and Tharaka communities have called on the NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga to intervene and stop alleged tribal discrimination directed at their colleagues by leaders from his back yard.

The Leaders praised the NASA flag bearer for being a true nationalist and agreed to support him in the August general elections.

They condemned Uhuru Kenyatta for denying Raila Odinga a chance to address the nation on Madaraka day which was held in Nyeri on 1st June, 2017.

The leaders were in a joint peace meeting at Kangeta social hall, which brought together Youth Leaders and University students from the larger Meru and Tharaka community, where they agreed to support the opposition leader and mobilize the votes for him.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the Meru youth council , Mr. Ken Kirema said that they had officially submitted the request to Raila Odinga twice , and the matter is “ on his desk “.

 He confirmed that the matter has taken too long, but they are optimistic Raila will handle the issue.

“We know he has been busy with campaigns and clearance from IEBC, and we are sure by mid-June, he will give us a good response, “said Kirema.

The leaders claim that a senior officer at the University, who hails from Nyanza region is discriminating openly on the Ameru and Tharaka students and staff.

The officer's wife is contesting for the women representative’s seat in Migori County.

The Ameru and Tharaka people have openly shown support for Raila Odinga, which was demonstrated when he visited the region.

The community which voted overwhelmingly for Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2013 general elections has shown a likely change of tune by supporting the opposition candidate which has made it difficult for Uhuru Kenyatta to campaign in the region.

The region has more than 86 candidates vying for various elective seats on NASA affiliate party tickets. The Leaders said they will mobilize support for the NASA presidential candidate and the aspirants in the opposition.