Uhuru Kenyatta allies root for Raila Odinga as they hand him nine resolutions

Mt Kenya leaders allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday rooted for ODM boss Raila Odinga, saying he is the best-suited to lead the country.The leaders noted Mr Odinga’s two-day Azimio la Umoja tour in Nyeri which saw him attract a huge crowd at Kabiru-ini and Rurin’gu stadiums as proof of his popularity.They also presented Mr Odinga with resolutions they want him to address, including guaranteeing them one man, one vote, one shilling model and strengthening devolution. Mr Odinga pledged to fight corruption and allocate Sh6,000 to each family as he hit out at deputy president William Ruto over donations of money in his rallies.“He carries millions and brings them to fundraisers. When they bring that money, do not leave it, take and use it to benefit yourselves,” he said.Mr Odinga seeks to galvanise his support in a region where DP Ruto is perceived to have made significant strides.A good leaderThe meeting attracted interested groups from Mt Kenya West counties of Nyeri, Kiambu, Laikipia, Murang’a, and Nyandarua.Speaking at Ruring’u Stadium, Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia praised Odinga as a professional capable of handling state affairs, adding that he was able to separate politics from work.He said that Mr Odinga had proven himself time and again as a good leader under the Moi, Kibaki and Uhuru governments.“If he takes over the government next year, he will handle it well. He will bring equality, ensure employment for the youth and peace in the country,” he said.His words were echoed by his Laikipia counterpart, Ndiritu Muriithi, who lauded Mr Odinga as a peacemaker.“We are in Azimio la Umoja because in Laikipia, we have very many communities that want peace so that we can transact our businesses successfully,” he said.Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni said, “Due to the support of ODM, we have ensured that the president has achieved the objectives he had set since 2017. If the ODM MPs had not supported us, we would not have been able to do any project because we did not have the numbers.”The leaders pledged their support for Mr Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid, saying the backing was pegged on his commitment to implement one man, one vote and one shilling resource allocation model.Further, the Mt Kenya leaders tasked Odinga to address the issue of representation that, they said, had made the region miss out on development.Suna East MP Junet Mohammed accused Dr Ruto of campaigning at the cost of his office, asking him to prepare to be in opposition.Mr Odinga said his government would eradicate poverty by enhancing equal opportunity for all the youths.“Every child despite his background will get an equal chance to study in primary school up to university. After completing their studies, they will get good jobs and make their money. They will not rely on the hustler narrative providing wheelbarrows,” he said.Quality healthcare“Kenyans must also have quality healthcare which means they need insurance and for those who cannot afford it, the government will pay for it,” he added.Mr Odinga also refuted claims that Sh6,000 monthly income promised to every household without an income was unsustainable.“Those who say that I am lying should know that I always tell the truth. I have been a prime minister in this country, I know where the money is,” he said.Other resolutions Mt Kenya leaders had with Mr Odinga at the meeting is that they support him and President Kenyatta working together to ensure stability and unity.That they unanimously support the agenda of prosperity and inclusivity as championed by Mr OdingaMr Odinga should also commit to strengthen devolution and bring resources to the counties.That he should work with leaders in the region and ensure fair representation in senior ranks.That Mr Odinga should support and invest in agricultural productivity, and value addition of crops.That he should make the business environment friendlier and support local manufacturing.And that he should complete all development projects started during President Kenyatta’s term in office.