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Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga yesterday declared he would ensure religious freedoms are protected if he wins next month’s polls.

While training his guns on his political nemesis and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential contestant, William Ruto, Raila said no religious faction should seek protection from the Head of State, adding that freedom of worship is guaranteed in the supreme law.

The presidential Azimio flag bearer added that his administration would not only promote freedom of worship but also eliminate all forms of discrimination.

In an attack on Ruto, Raila said the Constitution that guarantees freedom of worship and creation of Kadhis’ Court, was opposed by his opponents — who cannot be charged with protecting the same document.

“Muslims have equal rights, just like other people from other religions. There are those who opposed the Constitution and creation of Kadhis’ court. Those people cannot be trusted to protect these rights and freedoms,” said Raila, who was addressing Muslim women in Nairobi.

 He continued to drum up support for his 10-point agenda, saying his administration would ensure that all children get free education and proper healthcare through provision of health insurance. Raila also promised to seal all corruption loopholes.

 The audience requested him to ensure there is inclusion in the next government “of at least 10 per cent allocation to Muslim women — that is Executive posts, ministries, State departments, constitutional commissions, boards, parastatals and county governments. This should not only be based on regional representation but balance,” said Muslim Women’s Network chairperson Amina Hirsi.

The women also asked Raila to support the creation of an advisory office on Muslim women affairs in the Executive office of the President, should he form the next government.  The office is to “advise on strategic policy issues relating to inclusion, empowerment and acceleration of Muslim women in Kenya’s social, economic and political equity agenda,” said Amina.

She noted that as Muslim women, they are stepping away from a victim mentality to claim back their power and self-value. “We need to change our perception and thoughts. As Muslim women, the blame starts with us. We have neglected ourselves and we do not know our history. During the times of our prophets, they played pivotal roles in political, religious and educational affairs.” Earlier in the day, Raila met a section of boda boda riders at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi. He said his administration would introduce reforms so that the police institution becomes a service and not a force.

He noted that there are remnants of the police that still cling to the coloniser’s mentality, adding that the police should offer services to Kenyans and not be their tormentors.

“Within 100 days of my administration, we will introduce police reforms so that they become a service and not a force. “The problem is not with the police, the big problem is in the training. We are going to transform the sector from police force to police service to serve all Kenyans.”

 He asked the riders to also provide services to persons living with disability and the sick, to make sure they turn up at polling stations to vote.

Founding fathers

 Speaking separately, Raila’s running mate, Martha Karua, said the government would live up to the aspirations of Kenya’s founding fathers.

Karua regretted that over 50 years since Kenya gained independence, the country is yet to achieve the ambitions of eradicating illiteracy, poverty and poor health.

Speaking yesterday in Thika, Kiambu county, after over 400 Mau Mau fighters endorsed her bid to deputise Raila, Karua regretted that even before achievement of colonial fighters’ objectives for the nation, the country is now grappling with deep-rooted perennial corruption.

And in Kajiado, Karua asked residents to vote from Azimio candidates.

The former minister, who was accompanied by former governor David Nkedianye of Jubilee avoided local political rivalries and asked residents to make the decision on who will be the next county boss.

“Both governor Joseph Lenku and Nkedianye are in Azimio. You will decide on who will occupy the seat on your own,” said Karua. Lenku is defending his seat on an ODM ticket.

Karua took a swipe at the Kenya Kwanza coalition saying it was crowded with individuals with tainted track records.

Additional reporting Christine Musa