Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was unanimously endorsed to contest for presidency in the next year’s General Election by Nyanza leaders.
Dubbed as “Sikri Three Declaration” Raila was chosen as the most suitable candidate by over 1,000 delegates drawn from all the six Nyanza counties to represent the region.
Reading the declarations, Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri said Nyanza, with two million voters, cannot afford to be disorganised as the General Election approaches.
“We have resolved to unite as a community and affirm our support for Raila as the next President of the Republic of Kenya,” he read.
Ongwae said the region cannot be ignored in the national political discourse.
“Your handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta helped foster unity in this country,” he said.
The delagates are keen to ensure that Raila ascends to the presidency and are hoping to consolidate the votes in his Nyanza backyard.
Raila said the endorsement marked the beginning of his journey to State House even as he shared his economic and political plans with the delegates.
He also noted the need to venture outside the region for allies.
“We must make comprises and form coalitions and alliances for the sake of the nation. That effort cannot work at the national level when it does not exist in the regions that make up Kenya,” he said.
Interior Cabint Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Ongwae and Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo will help Raila in the negotiations with other regions.
The Nyanza Leader Convention brought together delegates drawn from Kisii, Kisumu, Nyamira, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori.
Raila is now left to continue with efforts to crack his campaign strategy which includes convincing members of the One Kenya Alliance to back him.
Raila unveiled his strategic plan aimed at uniting the country ahead of the 2022 polls.
Dubbed as ‘Azimio la Umoja’, the 2022 roadmap provides a conducive environment for the realization of the Vision 2030 development plan and building a nation where all rights are respected despite the position.
Speaking in Nakuru County, Raila said the objective was to dissect problems facing the country, among them political inclusion, divisive electoral processes, insecurity, corruption and reviving the economy.
“We are here to launch another united effort to address the problems afflicting our people. The journey we start today is intended to create the political and ideological unity that we require to confront the problems afflicting our people,” he said.
