Raila: 2022 election not a rich vs poor contest

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said the 2022 presidential election will not be a contest between the rich and the poor.

Speaking in Bomet on Saturday, the ODM leader said the narrative that the poll is about entrenching dynasties does not hold water.

"Former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki were sons of peasants who rose to lead the country. We have a democratic system that allows competition and equality," said Mr Odinga.

"My late father Jaramogi Odinga was not a son of the rich, neither was Uhuru's father. That should be made clear to all."

He spoke at the home of Kenya National Union of teachers (Knut) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion in Bomet County during a thanksgiving ceremony for his daughter Rosemary Chepkorir, who was recently admitted to the bar.

"Those claiming the contest will be about hustlers and others are mistaken and are misleading the people," the ODM leader also said.

Deputy President William Ruto has been vocal about the 2022 presidential contest being between the children of the poor and the rich.

The DP has embarked on raiding Mr Odinga’s Nyanza stronghold as he lays the ground for his bid for the presidency.

BBI campaigns

Mr Odinga further said the constitutional review under the Building Bridges Initiative campaigns across the country will kick off soon.

The ODM leader said the initiative had been sidetracked by the Covid-19 outbreak, but with the containment, consultative forums would soon begin across the country.

"I assure all Kenyans that the constitutional changes will be good for the country so they should be embraced by all," he said.

"BBI campaigns will be conducted around the country as we seek to have all Kenyans on the board in the pursuit of a  constitutional review."

Devolution

Mr Atwoli also asked Kenyans to support the BBI.

"I have never made a mistake in my political life and I want to assure the people that BBI is a good process for this country. We are very clear in the direction we are taking," said Mr Atwoli.

CS Wamalwa said the BBI will entrench devolution .

“Devolution is a centrepiece of BBI and when that carries the day, we are all winners," he said.

Mr Ng’eno said BBI should not be used to divide the country.

"We want the BBI to bring together President Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Mr Odinga and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi. Others should not be sidelined," said Mr Ng’eno.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said leaders should not engage in name calling but have a discourse in issues affecting the people.

"Let us have politics that makes sense and one that can take the country forward. Even when we disagree we should be civil," said Mr Orengo.

Teachers’ union

Mr Odinga also waded into the contest between the Teachers Service Commission and Knut, saying the commission should not kill the union.

"TSC should protect the union and the teachers as provided for in the Constitution. The union should get its rightful dues from the commission and we will ensure that happens," said Mr Odinga.

Knut's income has been reduced to Sh37 million from over Sh100 million following a mass exodus of members.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat anD Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno attended the function.