Raila Odinga calls for six-piece voting pattern in August polls

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has called for six-piece voting pattern in the August 9 General Election to enable him to form a strong government.

Speaking in Mwatate town, Taita-Taveta County on Friday, Mr Odinga urged Kenyans to vote for Azimio la Umoja candidates in all the six elective positions in August.

He said the coalition between ODM and Jubilee party will form the next government.

 “The six elective races from presidency, gubernatorial, senatorial, Member of Parliament, Woman Representative and Member of the County Assembly should be filled by Azimio la Umoja candidates,” he said.

He said the movement will unite the country and transform the governance system by improving Kenya’s economy.

 "This is the ‘Tsunami’ that I have been talking about. The movement has brought us together and we will take this country with a force," he said.

Voter registration

 He urged the youth to register during the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) scheduled to take place from January 17 to February 6, 2022, in preparation for the August 9 elections.

The ODM leader held rallies in Overseer and in Mwatate town where he urged residents to back his presidential bid and the Azimio la Umoja movement.

Mr Odinga said he will seal corruption loopholes that have been used to embezzle public funds to ensure his proposed Sh6,000 per month social protection programme for vulnerable families is implemented.

The ODM leader revisited DP William Ruto's source of wealth debate by questioning the source of money he has been dishing out to rallies and churches.

 He claimed that the DP has been giving out over Sh100 million every month during his political rallies.  

 "The Tangatanga team claims that I am lying to Kenyans. I have been a Prime Minister for five years so I know where the money is. I know where they are stealing from," he said.

He also rubbished the 'wheelbarrow' empowerment initiative by the DP saying real empowerment is helping the poor by supporting them to get their daily needs.

Mr Odinga said that his government will ensure affordable healthcare through his 'Babacare' programme.

 "Those who cannot afford treatment will have their medical bills paid by the government. I will ensure that every sub-county has a level four hospital with enough healthcare workers and drugs," he said.

 In Mwatate, Governor Granton Samboja's supporters and those of Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime clashed. The two leaders are seeking the support of the ODM leader in the coming gubernatorial election.

"The two leaders are my people, I will sit down with them to find a solution. We want to walk together on this journey," he said.

Handshake

Mr Odinga was accompanied by other leaders including Kisii Governor James Ongwae, deputy governor Majala Mlaghui, Senators Jones Mwaruma, Mohammed  Faki (Mombasa), Juma Boy (Kwale), MPs Jones Mlolwa (Voi), Andrew Mwadime (Mwatate),  Badi Twalib (Jomvu) Gertrude Mbeyu (Kilifi), Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Mishi Mboko (Likoni) Naomi Shaban (Taveta), ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna among other leaders.

In Taita Taveta, Taveta MP Naomi Shaban openly declared to rally behind Mr Odinga in the coming polls. 

Before the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, the MP was a fierce critic of the opposition leader.

Addressing Mwaktau residents, Ms Shaban said it was time for Mr Odinga to lead the country and offered to work with Governor Samboja to ensure that he gets votes in the region.

"It is the time for Mr Odinga to rule this country. He is selfless, he agreed to work with President Kenyatta for the unity and peace of this country," she said, urging locals to support Mr Odinga’s presidential bid.

Governor Samboja and MP Mwadime also promised to deliver votes for Mr Odinga.

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