Kepher Otieno

ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday said the quest for unity under the Azimio La Umoja movement was unstoppable, and warned those who are unwilling to join the movement that they will be left behind.

Speaking after joining Kenyans to travel in the recently launched Nairobi-Kisumu train service in a ceremonial ride that started from Fort Tenan in Kericho to the lake city, Raila said nothing will stop him and President Uhuru Kenyatta from pursuing peace and unity of all Kenyans.

“The power of unity has impacted so many people around the world and Kenya is no exception.

We must revert to the days before independence when our unity was rock solid,” Raila said.

He added: “There is no reason why some leaders should pull parallel to this cause, when I and President Uhuru Kenyatta have buried the hatchet and agreed to unite Kenyans.”

The former Prime Minister said his main focus is to bring all Kenyans together arguing that great things could only be achieved if the people work together.

Kenya Railway recently launched a passenger train service between the two cities, more than a decade after the route was discontinued.

The company charges Sh600 one-way and aims to capitalise on the festive season travel.

Governors

Raila was accompanied by governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), James Ongwae (Kisii) and Anyang’ Nyong’o, (Kisumu). 

Others were EAC Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura, Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga and Kisumu County Speaker Elisha Oraro.

During the journey, Raila addressed crowds in Fort Tenan, Muhoroni, Miwani and Kisumu Railway Station. 

He told Kenyans opposed to the Azimio la Umoja movement that history will proof them wrong when Kenyans shun tribal cocoons in favour of national unity.

“Soon those who have refused to join us and are pulling parallel or against the unity call will be rendered redundant.

They better board the unity train now or else they will be left behind,” he said.

 He called on eligible voters who have attained the age of 18 and above to take advantage of the planned mass registration expected to begin in January.