In the build-up to the dramatic 2017 General Election, Nyeri businesswoman Lucy Weru evicted the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya alliance flag bearer Raila Odinga from her hotel.
Weru who is a close relative of late president Mwai Kibaki was supporting Kibaki’s re-election in which the incumbent was facing stiff competition from Raila Odinga of the then National Super Alliance (NASA).
The woman after learning that Raila and his entourage had gone to his hotel to have lunch, drove to the premise and ordered the team to immediately leave.
However, in a report by the Daily Nation, a team campaigning for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Mathira constituency has opened an office in a building owned by Lucy Weru.
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya alliance secretary, Mathira branch Patrick Mucheru said that the opening of the office is a clear indication that Raila is slowly conquering the huge voting bloc presumably believed to be the political bedrock of Deputy President William Ruto of UDA.
“This is a clear signal that our people are softening their hearts towards Baba and the mountain is becoming easier to climb,” he said.
14 years ago, Raila Odinga, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo, the late Joseph Nyaga, and a host of Liberal Democratic Party officials were kicked out of the restaurant shortly after they had taken their seats.
Raila and his entourage were waiting for lunch when the businesswoman immediately showed up and ordered her staff to immediately get the then-presidential candidate out.
Weru was further heard saying that she does not need ODM members in her hotel and that they were free not to help her even if they won the elections.
“Who brought you here? We do not want ODM here. Can you please leave now? We do not want your money,
“Waambie watoke. Na hata akiwa rais asinisaidie (Tell them to get out and even if he becomes president I do not want his assistance),” the angry businesswoman stated.
But during his recent visit to Mathira, Raila said she had forgiven the woman and that he had agreed with his allies to have a cup of tea with her.
“There was a time I was kicked out of a hotel in Karatina but I forgave that lady. Now we have agreed that I will have a cup of tea at her home. We want to see Kenyans more united than ever,” Raila said.
