ODM changes campaign tack, picks team of 10 MPs

Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s campaign team has stepped up efforts to ensure ODM clinches the presidency in the General Election.

The Orange party through its Reloaded Brigade comprising 10 youthful MPs has hit the ground to popularise ODM and seek support for the Premier.

This came to the fore when the team led by Trade Assistant Minister Manson Nyamweya embarked on a four-day tour of South Nyanza to consolidate support in Raila’s backyard.

Being one of the campaign arms charged with the responsibility of clearing the way and laying ground for the PM, ODM Reloaded is pushing the message that it was time Mt Kenya and Rift Valley supported others to ascend to power.

Housing Assistant Minister Margaret Wanjiru, a member of the Reloaded team says Central Kenya and the Rift Valley have held the presidency close to 50 years and it was only fair that other parts of the country be given a chance to exercise power.

“This time we’re saying Kenya’s fourth president must come from elsewhere other than Central and the Rift,” Bishop Wanjiru, who is Starehe MP told a series of rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties.

She argued that the two regions should be comfortable with deputising the president given that they have ruled the country through the founding president Jomo Kenyatta, President Moi and now his successor President Kibaki.

“We are ready to take number two this coming polls so that the rest can have a test of power as well,” she said.

Presidential aspirants outside the two regions include Raila, his deputy Musalia Mudavadi (UDF), Vice-President Kalonzo Muysoka (WDP), Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa (New Ford-Kenya), Raphael Tuju (POA), Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi, former PS James ole Kiyiapi and Moses Wetangula (Ford Kenya).

However, that message will not be taken kindly by presidential hopefuls Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, DPM Uhuru Kenyatta of TNA, Planning assistant minister Peter Kenneth who hail from Central Kenya and URP’s William Ruto of Rift Valley.

Contenders in the two targeted regions have been campaigning on a platform of personal credentials.

Uhuru has categorically stated that he should not be denied a chance to lead Kenya on account that his father held the seat.

ODM Reloaded brigade comprises MPs Wanjiru, Ababu Namwamba, Rachael Shebesh, Nyamweya, Millie Odhiambo, Hassan Joho, Joseph Nanok, Joyce Laboso, Magerer Lang’at and John Mbadi.

Rotate leadership

During the South Nyanza tour, the Reloaded team was joined by Public Works Minister Chris Obure, ODM Executive Director Janet Ongera, Premier’s chief campaigner James Ongwae and Communications Assistant Minister Simon Ogari. Namwamba said only Raila has reform credentials and the muscle to expand democratic space.

“It is only Raila who is capable of driving the reform agenda on behalf of Kenyans. The rest are lords of impunity, who have ganged up to block this noble causse,” he said.

The Budalang’i MP added that Raila was the only presidential aspirant who has been consistent in the fight for the common man’s interest.

“We have firmly stood with Raila because he has remained steady in fighting for democratic space. That is why the forces of the dark ages have ganged up against him,” he said.

Mr Ongwae cautioned Kenyans to be wary of leaders out to polarise the country saying the PM meant well for the nation and had demonstrated the same having suffered in detention, but forgave those behind his tribulation.

?During the Kisii roadside shows, Wanjiru said the Gusii community had the key to decide who becomes the next president and urged them to support Raila.

“With one million votes, the Gusii people can decide who succeeds President Kibaki during the historic polls,” she said. She urged the electorate to use their voting rights wisely. Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka said it was important for Kenyans to allow leadership to rotate to other regions.

“Impunity and tribalism will be dealt with by allowing other Kenyans to exercise leadership so that Kenyans will be better placed to make comparisons,” he said.

Ms Ongera exuded confidence that Raila will get support of women on account of the Constitution.

“We can only realise the fruits of the Constitution that we overwhelmingly supported by voting in a person who believes in its implementation and that none other than Raila,” she said. Dr Obure cautioned Kenyans against being swayed by anti-Raila forces saying only the premier can secure the country’s future.

“The propaganda against the premier is ill conceived and must not be allowed to deny you a leader with good intensions for the people,” he said.

South Mugirango ODM Chairman Gedion Moreka said the Constitution clearly stated that leadership should be equitably distributed.