The Orange Democratic Movement plans to launch a countrywide tour to team up with other parties to form a formidable force for the next year’s General Election.
Speaking in Homa Bay and Kisii counties yesterday, ODM leader Raila Odinga announced plans for a raft of meetings across the country starting this Friday.
According to Raila, the first meeting in Sikri town in Homa Bay and will host 100 delegates from the six counties of Nyanza.
“Due to Covid-19, we cannot have political rallies, but we will have 100 delegates from the six counties in Nyanza namely Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya and Kisumu,” he said.
The plan includes holding meetings with stakeholders in the informal and formal sectors at regional headquarters.
The stakeholders will give their views on what they want Raila to prioritise in his agenda to improve the economy.
“After each of the meetings, we will come up with resolutions which represent voices and needs of the people of that region. We are starting with Nyanza this Friday because this is a people-driven initiative,” the ODM leader said.
Speaking at Kawahindi village in Kasipul Constituency during the burial of Jane Bosire, the wife of ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire, Raila criticised politicians who have been telling him to retire from politics.
“Some people say Raila is already old and can easily be wrestled down in a battle. Am I old?” posed Raila.
Raila said that he has a lot of energy to climb the mountain.
In Kisii, Raila criticised Deputy President’s bottom-up economic strategy stating that it will not help Kenyans.
“The meetings will involve political shakers and all people involved will be given a forum to give their views on what they want to be addressed in changing the country to the better,” said Raila.
National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed said following the withdrawal of ODM from NASA, it will team up with Jubilee and other like-minded parties ahead of 2022 polls.
“On Friday, a huge ship will come that will carry everyone. All of Nyanza counties will meet and chart the way forward. UDA may not get the space to enter because their party is like the Covid-19 pandemic,” Junet said.
Raila was accompanied by Governors Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), James Ongwae (Kisii), Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) and Kisii Deputy governor Joash Maangi.
Also present were Senators Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), Prof Sam Ongeri (Kisii), Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), James Orengo (Siaya) and Beatrice Kwamboka (nominated).
