State House race: Raila concludes coastal tour amid sharp divisions in Azimio coalition
By Martin Oduor, July 15, 2022
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga is winding up his coastal tour as he campaigns in Kilifi county today Friday, July 15, 2022.
Raila and his Azimio brigade started their five-day tour of the coastal region on July 12, 2022 campaigning in Taita Taveta county.
The Azimio caravan has so far toured Taita Taveta, Kwale and Mombasa counties. Today, Raila, his running mate Martha Karua and several leaders allied to their outfit pitch camp in Kilifi county where are set to campaign at several stopovers.
Raila staring at divisions in Azimio
While campaigning in Mombasa yesterday, the former Prime Minister called on the people of the coastal city to embrace six-piece voting for his party ODM.
Raila said six-piece voting will ensure the ODM party carries the day in Mombasa county in the August 9, General Elections.
“I don’t want to be a General without an army. I need my foot soldiers in the County Assembly, National Assembly, Senate and most importantly, the Governor so as to be able to deliver on my vision for the country,” Raila said.
On his part, ODM candidate for Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir committed to combing every blade of grass in Mombasa to rally voters to enable a 95 per cent turnout in the election to ensure victory for Azimio.
Raila’s call for six-piece voting puts him at loggerheads with other parties allied to the Azimio coalition who are also fielding candidates for various elective posts.
The ODM candidate for the governor seat Nassir, Wiper’s team led by Mike Sonko and VDP’s governor candidate Awiti Bolo continue to tear into each other even though they are all in the Azimio coalition.
Unlike in Nairobi where Azimio allied parties all settled for one candidate Polycarp Igathe, in Mombasa, the parties decided to field their respective candidates – a move that could split Azimio votes and work in favour of their rivals.