Raila reiterates his promise to give Kenya its final liberation

Raila Odinga, presidential candidate for Kenya‘s coalition party Azimio La Umoja One, says should he win the presidency next month he will ensure the country realizes all the attributes of the national anthem.

During coalition campaign rallies in Naivasha and during a campaign tour of Nakuru County, Raila said his government will be all-inclusive for the benefit of all Kenyans.

He vowed to ensure the country remains united by being just and a defender of human rights for all citizens, and reiterated his pledge to give the country its final deliverance by tackling disease, ignorance, poverty and corruption to end that to improve the lives of Kenyans.

At the same time, Raila said he would accept the results if he fairly lost the August 9 general election.

He said that the elections in 20 days would be about the country’s economic liberation as many Kenyans have suffered from the tough economic times.

“We have passed the political and democratic liberation and the next stage is the economic liberation of Kenyans,” he said.

Flanked by top coalition leaders, Raila identified bribery, poverty, illiteracy and health as the top challenges affecting the country.

He said that if elected his government would address this by ensuring that learning is free and health issues are addressed through “Baba Care”.

“We have plans to support small businesses through a fund where they get access to cheap loans that are paid from the seventh year,” he said.

For his part, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui lashed out at those planning to relocate the port’s services, labeling them enemies of the area’s residents.

“Some leaders have warned they will close the port, but we are sure that this facility, which employs hundreds of people, will be safe with Raila in office,” he said.

Kinyanjui revisited the issue of hotel downgrading in Naivasha, noting that it has affected hoteliers and tourists.

“We hope that the issue of the lake and hospitality will be addressed by Baba once he takes office as they support hundreds of people,” he said.

Other speakers included Peter Kenneth, who double-talked to Ruto on the issue of the dry port and Unga’s prices.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the Kenya-Kwanza alliance was riddled with bribery.

Others present included Junet Mohammed, who said Raila had long defended the oppressed and deserved the chance to rule the country.

“Through Raila’s efforts, the price of Unga has dropped to Ksh100, despite some complaints from some leaders who wanted prices to remain high,” he said.

Elsewhere, Deputy President William Ruto has told Kenyans to be cautious about picking leaders who have no plans for the country.

He said the informal sector, which employs a majority of Kenyans, is key to not only boosting the economy but also improving Kenyans’ livelihoods.

Ruto pledged that if he wins the Aug. 9 election, the leather, textile and metal industries will be among the areas he will focus on, as well as the establishment of a rent fund

During campaign rallies in Kitui, Ruto urged local residents to get ready to vote for the Kenyan Kwanza team. He blamed the current high cost of living on the alleged failure to implement the Big Four agenda.

The deputy president urged youth to show up and vote in the August 9 election to ensure the challenges they face are resolved.