Raila, Kalonzo lead campaign in Meru

By Francis Ngige

Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaks to supporters in Laare, Meru on Thursday.   [PHOTO: GEORGE MULALA/STANDARD]

KENYA: Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leaders campaigned in Meru and dispelled the notion that the Mt Kenya region is solidly behind Jubilee’s Uhuru Kenyatta.

They made an extensive tour of the region perceived to be a Jubilee Alliance stronghold. And although they were warmly received in all their rallies on Thursday, there was a walk out at Laare when the speakers attacked Uhuru.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said Jubilee would be surprised by the outcome of the election “then they will realise people will make independent choices.”

They said CORD enjoyed support throughout the country and going by the turn out in the rallies in Meru, it was clear that it would carry the day on March 4.

“These Jubilee leaders are busy bandying ethnic figures but I am telling them they will be surprised by the outcome of the election. The country is for all of us,” said Raila.

He added: “Kenyans should vote for people with clear policies not tribes. Our competitors are coming to Meru telling you to vote mundu wa nyumba (one of our own), this will not help you.” He said it was time to break the tribalism barrier, which has plagued the country for a long time.

“It is not beneficial to anyone when a president comes from your tribe. What is important is what they are offering you,” said Raila.

Miraa farmers

They said CORD leadership was the only one capable of fighting tribalism. Raila promised local miraa farmers his government would engage The Netherlands to lift the ban imposed on the crop.

“We know miraa is an important crop for this region and the country. We will take a direct approach and ensure its market remains intact,” said Raila.

Kalonzo said the country would bury negative ethnicity once CORD forms the government.

“There are leaders trying to come up with tribal arithmetic but I want to tell them Kenyans are wiser,” he said.

The two leaders started the two-day tour of the region with rallies across Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties before converging for a joint rally at Laare market.

Raila addressed rallies at Tunyai, Marimanti and Mikinduri while Kalonzo was at Chuka, Igwanjau and Maili Tatu.

They are expected to tour Embu and parts of Meru County on Friday.

At Laare, a section of the crowd walked out on former MP Kalembe Ndile for attacking Uhuru.

The crowd booed him before walking out after Kalembe said Uhuru would not carry out land reforms.

The former Kibwezi MP was forced to cut short his speech after the crowd became hostile.