I’ll lay strong economic foundation, says Raila Odinga

Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga says he is vying for the presidency to set a foundation for proper governance of the country.

Mr Odinga yesterday said he has what it takes to improve the country's economy and eradicate poverty.

"I'm able to do it, I have experience to change the way we do things. I am writing a manifesto, which will be published soon,” Mr Odinga told a rally at Matuga Girls’ School grounds in Kwale County.

He added that his 10-point Azimio la Umoja agenda will be reflected in the manifesto.

Education and Babacare

Mr Odinga further said that under his leadership, every child would get equal opportunity to education from primary school to university. He promised to address all healthcare-related challenges through his 'Babacare’ plan.

The ODM leader said he will also ensure the Coast economy flourishes by facilitating the growth of coconut and cashew industries, as well as the blue economy.

"We shall improve the fishing industry by ensuring people use modern ways to fish. We shall stop Japanese and Chinese fishermen from fishing in our waters, instead they will buy from us,” Mr Odinga said.

He promised a fisheries plant will be established in Shimoni to open up job opportunities for women and the youth, thus reducing poverty levels in Kwale.

Mr Odinga defended his proposed Sh6,000 stipends per month to poor households, saying he has been Prime Minister and knows where the money is.

Theft

“I know where thieves go and take our money, we will seal all loopholes,” said Mr Odinga, who was accompanied by former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.

Earlier in the morning, while meeting ODM delegates at Diani Reef Hotel, Mr Odinga said he will conserve traditional places of worship such as Kaya forests, emphasising the need to respect African traditions given “that is where we came from.”

"Kaya is very important, our forefathers worshipped there,” said Mr Odinga, who was responding to a plea by Kaya elders to ensure the sacred forests are conserved.

Mr Kenneth campaigned for the ODM party leader, saying he had “climbed the mountain” and residents support his bid.

“The leadership of this country wants a humble leader, not those who boast, weigh leaders, Raila cannot destroy the country,” said Mr Kenneth.

Several leaders from Kwale county allied to ODM attended the rally, with many expressing their interests in vying for different positions under the party ticket in the next general election.

PS seeks Kwale top job

Agriculture Principal Secretary Hamadi Boga and his Correctional Services counterpart Safina Kweke, who drummed up support for Mr Odinga, expressed their interest to jointly contest for Kwale Governor and Deputy Governor positions respectively.

Prof Boga said they will bring together other ODM leaders and those affiliated to ODM in a bid to avoid “friendly fire”.

Kwale county assembly speaker Sammy Ruwa, who is also eying the Kwale gubernatorial seat on the ODM party ticket, said they are united as residents in supporting Mr Odinga.

Mr Odinga also told ODM delegates that similar meetings and rallies will be held in other coastal counties, including Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi and Taita Taveta, to popularise the Azimio la Umoja agenda.

Other leaders present at the Matuga event were Nominated Senator Agnes Zani, Kwale Senator Issa Boy, members of the Kwale county assembly and several aspirants eyeing the ODM ticket for various posts.

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