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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga took his Azimio La Umoja Campaign to Nakuru yesterday, where he reiterated his call for national unity and peaceful co-existence among all communities.

Speaking during the burial of Nakuru’s second mayor Joseck Thuo, Raila said he is the best candidate to unite the country and heal the long-running ethnic animosities particularly in the politically volatile Rift Valley region.

He pledged that if he wins, his government will address the issues affecting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), saying he will ensure that victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence return to their farms. 

Great loss

“We will ensure Kenyans are free to live in any part of the country without fear. We want all tribes be it Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Gusii or Kalenjin can live and work anywhere in this country without being harassed,” he said.

He added: “We will ensure that those properties taken away by others are restored.”

“ The days of  IDPs are over!” he said a mid cheers. 

“These days I preach the gospel of Azimio La Umoja because we need a united country,” he said.

Raila, who was accompanied by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, also urged the youth to register in high numbers in the next registration of voters exercise slated from January 17 saying he needs them in his side.

He eulogised Thuo as an astute businessman and an impeccable leader, saying he had known him since the battle of multi-party politics in the late 1980s and 90s. 

“He played a major role in the fight against problems facing our country such as poverty, disease and ignorance,” he said.

In a message read by Governor Lee Kinyanjui, President Uhuru Kenyatta described the death of the former civic leader as a great loss to the country. He further eulogised him as an industrious person and a focused leader.

The President noted that  Thuo was an amiable, respected and truthful person.Describing him as a patriot, Uhuru said Thuo was one of the founding fathers of Nakuru Town.

“As a leader, Mzee Thuo worked hard to serve all residents without bias. He portrayed a high degree of service” the President said.

Also in attendance were Water Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua, Trade Chief Administrative Secretary Lawrence Karanja among other top dignitaries.