ODM leader Raila Odinga has said he has not started campaigning for the 2022 presidential elections, days after being fingered by IEBC for premature campaigning.
In a statement released by the ODM party on Tuesday, November 23, the former Prime Minister said that his ‘Azimio La Umoja’ countrywide tours should not be mistaken for campaigns.
Raila wondered why he should engage in premature campaigns yet he has not declared whether he will give a fifth stab at the presidency or not.
The opposition leader said he is only seeking people’s views as he waits for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to announce the campaign period.
“I haven’t started the campaign because the campaign period is not yet announced by IEBC, what you have seen me do is to do my mandate,
“Speaking to people, understanding their issues, and assessing the extent of our government programs,” he said.
Raila who is considered to be President Uhuru Kenyatta’s secret successor further called on the electoral body to take actions on presidential candidates engaged in early campaigns.
“(IEBC chairman) Wafula Chebukati should stop beating around the bush and mention names of the politicians engaging in early campaigns,” the statement by the Orange party read.
Raila’s remarks come barely days after his perceived 2022 competitor William Ruto also distanced himself from claims of premature campaigns.
The deputy president who was speaking to journalists on Monday, November 22, said his countrywide meetings are not campaigns but a ‘meet the people tour’ to seek and understand their views.
“I haven’t started the campaigns because the campaign period is not yet announced by IEBC, what you have seen me do is to do what my mandate is, speaking to people, understanding their issues, assessing the extent of our government programs on how far they are and receiving feedback from the public,” Ruto said despite hitting 135 rallies in 30 days.
Last week, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati cautioned William Ruto and Raila Odinga among others against engaging in early 2022 campaigns.
