Molo, a dusty town 48km west of Nakuru City was the centre of national politics yesterday, rising above its dark past of recurring bloody electoral and ethnic violence since 1990s.
Raila Odinga and his allies under Azimio La Umoja movement took the town by storm as the former premier held the first rally since his endorsement for presidency.
Speaking in Molo town, Raila described the area as the new 'headquarters' of the Azimio La Umoja movement terming Nakuru County an embodiment of Kenya due to its cosmopolitan nature.
“This is our first meeting. Molo will determine whether Azimio will succeed or not. The support seen here is promising as we walk with pride to Canaan with your blessings,” said Raila.
He underscored the significance of peace towards the August 9 polls and a commitment to ensure communities in Molo live in harmony.
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“It is clear your emphasis is on peace. Everyone is where they are as Kenyans. We want to see communities living together without conflict. Molo will be the centre of peace as we pursue the Kenyan dream,” said Raila.
Molo residents have faced evictions and displacements caused by forest reclamation and ethnic violence during electioneering periods. The last two elections have been peaceful.
“We are aware of the people displaced by violence and restoration of Mau Forest. If elected, our government shall ensure all persons have a place to live a dignified life,” said Raila.
He pledged to turn around the area’s fortunes in agriculture and the timber industry noting that the place has a high potential to boost the country’s economy.
He pledged to set up factories for value addition which will lead to reduction in cost of farm inputs. “This is an agricultural hub. In the past, Molo was a proud producer of pyrethrum, potatoes and vegetables. We shall revive these sectors and subsidise inputs to make agriculture viable for our farmers,” he said.
At Elburgon town, Raila pledged to re-look into the ban on logging that has left the timber industry on its deathbed with three financial institutions closing their branches.
“We need to refocus on commercial planting of trees. The timber business has been there for a long time. Mature trees should also be harvested to build our economy,” he said.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said the struggles of the residents have subjected many to depression.
“Suicide rates in Molo are three times higher than the national average . This has been attributed to the collapse of the timber industry and a punishing agricultural sector. This has to be addressed,” said Kinyanjui.
The governor who has joined Azimio through his Ubuntu People’s Forum (UPF) said he would rally the county behind Raila.
“The last time the country had a minister from Nakuru was in 1964. This has left residents wondering what they lack. We must have a home coming event for a Nakuru based minister this time,” said Kinyanjui.
