- MPs from different constituencies in Nairobi have expressed optimism in Raila Odinga’s fifth stab at the presidency during the forthcoming general election
- Speaking at the Legio Maria church in Makongeni, Nairobi where the ODM leader attended Sunday service, they endorsed and promised him full support
- Among those who declared the presidential aspirant fit for the top job are Tim Wanyonyi, George Aladwa, Godfrey Osotsi and Muriithi Mwenje
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has received a major boost in his quest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2022 General Election after Members of Parliament (MPs) from Nairobi declared their support for him.
Notable among them was Tim Wanyonyi, George Aladwa, Godfrey Osotsi and Muriithi Mwenje, who said that nothing can stop Raila from ascending to the presidency next year.
Other leaders who were present include Suna East MP Junet Mohammed and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.
The politicians were speaking on Sunday at St Marys Makongeni Legio Maria church during a church service where Raila was in attendance.
Raila enjoys massive support
According to the leaders, Raila enjoys the support of all communities residing in the city, a major addition being those from the Mt Kenya region.
Wanyonyi and Aladwa exuded confidence that Raila will scoop the Luhya vote as a bloc saying the community controls one of the largest votes in the city.
“As leaders in Nairobi, when we unite with Baba (Raila), to ensure all the roads to State House are smooth. We are repairing the roads to ensure that this time, Raila’s journey will not have any roadblocks,” Wanyonyi said.
On his part, Aladwa assured the ODM leader of the support of the Luhya community, saying they will vote for him as he is the only hope to deliver the country from a myriad of challenges it is experiencing.
“In Nairobi, the Luhyas are about 1.5 million voters, and we are not saying it with fear. Our voters in 2022 will not be shaken, we know our leader is only one,” expressed Aladwa.
Raila has a rich history
Peter Kenneth and Njenga echoed the sentiments of the ODM leaders, explaining that the Mt Kenya community was solidly behind the former prime minister.
Kenneth added that Raila has a rich history in Kenya’s politics and is a champion of peace every time when the country is almost descending into anarchy.
He cited the times when Raila made a truce with former president Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki and now the historical handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta on the steps of Harambee House.
The handshake between the two leaders ended months of chaos in the country following the disputed results of the 2017 elections that declared Uhuru a winner.
“We have a great opportunity to give Raila the space to reset Kenya and make it great, and the only person who can give us that is honourable Raila Amolo Odinga,” Kenneth said.
Report by TUKO.co.ke correspondent John Papanoo.
– Kenya
