‘Voice of the voiceless’ – Kajiado residents shower Raila with praise as he turns 79
By Christine.Musa, January 7, 2024
Residents of Kajiado County are among those who turned up to celebrate the 79th birthday of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In a colourful event held at Kitengela, locals lauded the former Premier as the hero of democracy and ‘redeemer’ of the nation.
Jubilant residents, including political leaders and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and their hard supporters showered Raila with praise for his efforts and consistency in championing the rights of Kenyans.
“Baba is a man we are proud to associate with; he is selfless and has the heart of Kenyans at heart. We cherish his love for Kenyans and his spirit of consistency in fighting for democracy and the rights of Kenyans.
“As we celebrate his birthday, we are optimistic that it is the beginning of a new chapter and a renewal of his democracy and resilience. Baba, we pray that you live long enough to blow more candles and have good health,” Judy Pareno, a former nominated senator, said.
High cost of living and high tax outcry dominated the speeches of the celebrations, with a clarion call on the government to make life affordable for Kenyans.
“High taxes have made our daily lives harder. Every Kenyan is silently suffering, but we are proud and happy that Baba has been on the front lines to speak for the majority. We cherish Baba, we celebrate Baba, and we pray for Baba,” Moses Kamalik, a resident of Kajiado North, said.
The mega cake, which bore Raila’s images, captured the pain of Kenyans grappling with high taxation.
“Baba Raila Amollo Odinga, we value you; we count on you to drive the agenda of Kenyans for the well-being of us as a nation. We treasure Baba, the enigma, and the voice of the voiceless,” Lydia Ngaira said.
Kajiado East Member of Parliament Kakuta Maimai and a host of other leaders pledged their loyalty to the ODM party.
“The economy of this country is unbearable. Kenyans are struggling, suffering, and becoming hopeless by the day. The hustlers are going through tough economic times that require urgent attention.
“As a proud legislature of ODM, I want to reassure Kenyans through parliament that we will fight motions and proposals that further burden the lives of Kenyans. We remain steadfast to serve Kenyans by bettering their lives,” Kakuta said.
“We remain steadfast in supporting Raila Odinga and his endeavours to better this country by speaking to Kenyans. He is a hope to many voiceless Kenyans in dire need of a voice to escalate their challenges and issues,” George Yego said.