At least 30 governors from across Kenya have endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid ahead of August polls.
After meeting with Raila in Naivasha on Monday, county leaders associated with the Azimio la Umoja group expressed their support for him.
The governors praised Raila as the “father of devolution” and claimed his support was based on his support for a decentralized style of governance.
“Raila Odinga amepigania uhuru wa nchi hii mpaka hata akwekwa kizuizini kwa miaka nane. Ikiwa ni katiba ya 2010 alikuwa mbele alisaidiana na wenzake kuileta; katika ugatuzi, he is really the father of devolution, that is undisputed,” said Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana.
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In order to increase Raila’s chances of becoming the fifth president, the governors promised to deploy grassroot teams to encourage voter registration.
“We are happy as governors that we have found a person who can defend and protect devolution,” said Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu.
“We all as governors have come here to say, with one voice, that we are going to go out there to make sure that Raila Odinga is the next president of Kenya.”
The leaders stated that they believe the former prime minister will secure a fair distribution of resources in the country, and that they will devote all of their resources to his campaign.
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Deputy President William Ruto’s camp was also chastised by the county chiefs, who accused them of being anti-devolution and unwilling to assist the country’s development.
“There is only one person who over the years never supported the constitution, not in 2005, 2010, and even now when we wanted to amend it,” said Ngilu as she chided the DP.
“Somebody must forever be wanting to do things that are not right for this country.”
Those in attendance included:
- Charity Ngilu – Kitui
- Anne Kananu- Nairobi
- Cyprian Awiti – Homa Bay
- Wycilffe Opranya – Kakamega
- Amos Nyaribo – Nyamira
- James Nyoro – Kiambu
- Francis Kimemia – Nyandarua
- Hassan Ali Joho – Mombasa
- Joseph Ole Lenku -Kajiado
- Martin wambora – Embu
- Ndiritu Mureithi – Laikipia
- Mohammed Kuti – Isiolo
- Lee Kinyanjui – Nakuru
- Alex Tolgos – Elgeyo -Marakwet
- James Ongwae – Kisii
- Cornel Rasanga – Siaya
- Ahmed Boray Arale- Wajir
- Fahim Twaha – Lamu
- Amason Kingi – Kilifi
- Granton Samboja – Taita Taveta
- Wilber Otichillo – Vihiga
- Kivutha Kibwana – Makueni
- Anyang’ Nyong’o – Kisumu
- Dhadho Gaddae Godhana – Tana river
- Ali Korane – Garissa
- Wycliffe Wangamati- Bungoma
Four others sent their apologies.
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