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Azimio la Umoja One-Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua took Nakuru by storm in their second rally after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yesterday.

Karua said their march to State House had officially begun and called on Kenyans to overwhelmingly vote for Raila whom she described as the only “horse in the presidential race”.

The team, which was greeted by a huge crowd at the Mazembe Grounds, called on residents to come out in large numbers on August 9 and vote for an Azimio government.

Raila, who was accompanied by several leaders supporting Azimio including Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, called for peaceful co-existence among all communities in the country as the elections draw close.

The former Prime Minister said his choice of Nakuru as his the venue of his first rally after being cleared was significant in his State House bid.

Manifesto launch

He said he was best placed to end ethnic animosity in the country.

“My government will be a game-changer and we will strive to ensure all Kenyans live in harmony. We will end tribal politics and bring all communities together, inawezekana,” said Raila. 

He revealed that Azimio coalition would launch its manifesto today. The plan, he said, was aimed at uplifting the lives of Kenyans by revamping the economy,  improving health care and creating more job opportunities.

“We will strive to ensure education is free up to the university level and all this will be unpacked when we launch our manifesto on Monday,” said Raila.

Karua took the opportunity to inform residents of the changes in the ballot section and asked voters to check the coalition party symbol and Raila’s picture.

“When in the voting booth check the party symbol. It is blue, unlike in the past when it was orange. Ensure you vote for change,” said Karua.

She said Raila had sacrificed a lot for Kenya, saying he was best to lead the country because of his experience in and out of government.

“Raila is capable to lead this nation. We have been in the trenches for the second liberation for this country and we know what ails it,” said Karua.

She said they will apply the law as per the Constitution and dismissed claims that an Azimio administration would oppress Kenyans.

At the same time, she insisted she was the safest bet for women, youth and all Kenyans who have been yearning for change.

“I know all the needs for women and youth and if you elect us, be sure we will streamline the economy and create jobs for the youth,” said Karua.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said they were now confident of winning on the first round. 

He also asked the  electoral commission to address the electoral problems witnessed in 2017 General Election.

Kalonzo said Karua’s entry into the coalition was a game-changer in the political matrix.

Canaan journey

He added that their team did not steal elections and dismissed Deputy President William Ruto’s recent claims that the voter register had been tampered as a sign that he had panicked.

“We need to eradicate poverty, create jobs and ensure our people are proud. We are not joking. I was Caleb on our journey to Canaan and Raila is still Joshua and he could not go to Canaan and leave me behind,” said Kalonzo.

He assured the Raila-Karua pair of his unwavering support in their journey to State House saying they are the best placed to steer the nation in the right direction.

“We have a nation to look after, and we will make sure this country will stand strong among nations, let us vote overwhelmingly,” he added.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said Nakuru has a historical significance to national politics and assured Raila’s of support from the county.