The ODM leader Raila Odinga has encouraged Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya aspirants in the Mt Kenya region to be brave and campaign for his presidential bid without fear.
Speaking when he met Azimio la Umoja-Kenya aspirant in Kiambu on Wednesday, May 4, Raila acknowledged that it might hard for the aspirants to sell his candidature in the region.
The former premier who has been endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta urged the aspirants mostly from the Jubilee party to remain committed saying that Azimio will win the August polls.
“We want foot soldiers who are brave and optimistic. In Mt Kenya, we know it might be tougher than in other areas. But keep the faith and remain committed to the cause. We have other fronts that are performing very well in this war and I guarantee you that we are winning,” Odinga said.
Sentiments by the ODM leader came after aspirants in vote-rich regions expressed fear of Raila Odinga’s symbol on their campaign posters citing hostility from voters.
Some aspirants had resorted to using Jubilee Party colors and are avoiding campaigning for the former prime minister so as not to jeopardize their bids in a region largely perceived as backing Deputy President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Even though Raila has been endorsed by President Uhuru, DP Ruto remains the preferred candidate for most Mt Kenya residents.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, May 3 in Kiambu County, Amos Kimunya claimed that the politicians were only acting out of fear of Odinga was unpopular.
“It is a misconception part of which is because people do not quite appreciate the popularity of Raila in Mt Kenya. Granted he doesn’t have 100 percent but he does not have zero, it could be 50 percent but in the next two months it could increase,” Kimunya said.
As a way of ensuring the aspirants continue marketing their quest for the presidency, the ODM leader further endorsed the recommendation that Azimio will not fund campaigns for aspirants in the region who don’t publicly associate with and popularise his candidature.
