ODM politicians have raised concerns that their allies in the Jubilee Party are not campaigning for Raila Odinga in the Mt Kenya region.
Of key concern to the ODM leaders is the decision by almost all the Azimio aspirants from Central Kenya to avoid Raila’s photo on their campaign posters.
“They are telling us that they are finding it hard selling Raila in Mt Kenya. We have heard senior politicians telling the people to elect the presidential candidate of their choice. This is nothing but betrayal.” says Francis Gacheru, the ODM ODM Secretary General in Murang’a county.
The ODM politicians say their Jubilee counterparts have not been keen on selling Raila’s agenda in the vote-rich region, denting their target for the former premier to get over 2.5 million votes from the area.
On their part, the Mt. Kenya aspirants maintain that they are afraid to accompany the politician’s image on their posters as he is not that popular in the area.
Francis Gacheru regrets that when Uhuru endorsed Raila’s presidential bid, they were tasked with campaigning for him but now their Jubilee counterparts are telling voters to elect the presidential candidate of their choice.
“Raila’s bid is not easy to sell here in Mt Kenya, that is why I cannot accompany my poster with his photo. It is true that he enjoys national support but here in Mt Kenya, some word needs to be done,” an aspirant said.
Apart from Jubilee, aspirants in several other Azimio affiliate parties in Mt. Kenya have also notably avoided mentioning the ODM leader’s name in their campaigns.
Speaking at a meeting in his South Imenti backyard earlier this week, Mbus Party Leader and Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi urged residents to vote for their preferred presidential candidate, insisting that he was only interested in clinching the gubernatorial seat.
“As for me and my wife, we will vote for Raila Odinga. I am however not asking or forcing anybody in Meru to vote for Raila. Just vote for whoever you wish. After all, it’s a secret ballot. I am only seeking my votes.” Kiraitu said.
Earlier on Thursday (31st March 2022), Governor Kiraitu disputed claims that he was pushing the Meru residents to vote for Mr. Odinga.
“I’ve seen a lot of Propaganda, with claims that I’m pushing the Meru people to vote for Raila Odinga. I would like to state clearly that on 9th August, I will not be seeking the Presidency. I am only contesting for the Governor’s seat.” says Governor Kiraitu.
The author is a Social Media Strategist, a Digital Media Expert with interest in Governance and Social Welfare.
