Raila calls for unity as Mount Kenya Foundation, Maa community rally behind his presidential bid

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has reiterated his push for a united country under his Azimio la Umoja umbrella ahead of the August 9 general elections.

During a luncheon held by the Mount Kenya Foundation and Maa community leaders in Nairobi on Tuesday, Odinga emphasized his union call to all Kenyans saying it is the bridge to the development of the nation.

While citing examples from European countries, Odinga compared his call for unity as that of Germany’s first chancellor and founder of Prussia (German Empire) Otto von Bismarck which saw a new dawn for the country.

“This is Kenya’s declaration of unity, let the people of Kenya unite; it is the basis of our growth and development,” he said.

“Let all the teams come together and rally behind one ideology…Azimio la Umoja is like the cardinal call of Otto von Bismarck to the German people.”

Odinga underscored the unification of all Kenyan tribes as he recounted the history of the migrations of ethnic communities, pointing out that all the groups were once one and continue to share a common origin which he said should be reflected in the current relations.

The former premier divulged that closing the gap between ancient communal rivalries should be embraced by uniting through diversity and appreciating all weaknesses positively.

"Let us be proud to be a Maasi or any other tribe without thinking of yourself better than the other person. We want to form a united country where every person appreciates the other," he said.

Consequently, Odinga promised to catapult the country’s economy to the next level if elected president by urbanizing the economy and focusing on the manufacturing sector.

With reference to South Korea, Odinga compared the current state of the economy and that of post-independence when Kenya was at par with South Korea vowing to restore the country’s glory if he clinches the top seat in August.

“We want to make this country great by transforming the economy. We will become manufacturers and Kenya will be able to reclaim its position. Next year, Kenya will be in Africa Cup of Nations and in the World Cup,” stated the ODM chief.

At the same time, the joint forum of Mount Kenya Foundation and Maa community endorsed Odinga as their preferred candidate to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In a written declaration read by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, the leaders termed Odinga as a peace-abiding leader who would unite and ensure the prosperity of the nation.

“We, the people of MKF and Maa, thereby declare in one accord and finality that we shall together campaign for and elect Odinga as the next president of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement read.

“Today as the nation prepares to go to the 2022 election, The people of Mount Kenya and Maa community stand together as one to declare our support for the continuation of Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy with Raila Odinga through Azimio la Umoja.”

In a five-point resolution plan, the leaders resolved to support Odinga, strive to maintain peace and stability, and oppose ethnic politics.

 “We feel safe under Azimio because the vision, values and principles best represent the Kenya we want to see and they include; unity and inclusion, economic prosperity, social welfare, no to corruption and business agriculture/pastoralism,” stated Governor Ole Lenku.