Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition presidential running mate Martha Karua yesterday rallied the Nyanza electorate to turn up in their numbers on August 9 to propel Raila Odinga to the presidency.
In a passionate appeal to residents, Ms Karua noted that they had locked almost all the regions countrywide under their fold and were keen to ensure they win by a landslide.
She said the region cannot afford to turn their back on Mr Odinga through voter apathy at a time they have made a tremendous effort to gain support from other parts of the country.
“Your son has given me an opportunity and the women of this country an authorisation to be the next vice-president. However, this honour is awaiting your authorisation. Your authorisation is to ensure that you turn up in your numbers and vote,” she said.
READ MORE
AU, UN agencies call for building resilient industries to advance Africa's development
Against the Tide: Karua's journey of becoming 'Iron lady'
Kibaki and Raila's 'marriage of convenience' that failed
US envoy exits, praised by Ruto but censured by State critics
Ms Karua also appealed to the electorate to rally behind Azimio candidates contesting for various elective seats to give them numbers in the national and county assemblies that will enable them to rule should they win in the polls. Addressing Azimio Women’s League in Homa Bay Tourist Hotel yesterday, Ms Karua expressed optimism that the electorate in Nyanza will make a significant component of their basket if all residents vote.
“I plead with the people of Nyanza not to let us down at the eleventh hour. Please ensure you cast your votes. If you vote Raila, you have voted Karua, and vice versa. Nyanza is rich in registered voters who can make a very significant impact for our victory on August 9,” she said.
Ms Karua was hosted by Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, Azimio presidential campaign team chairman in the region John Mbadi, Governor Cyprian Awiti, his deputy Hamilton Orata, MPs Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) and Senator Moses Kajwang’.
She defended her ticket with Mr Odinga, saying they are the best candidates for the presidency because of important contributions they had made for reforms and democratisation. “Many major roads were constructed during the coalition government because of Raila’s diligence. I also don’t joke when it comes to service delivery to the people, hence Kenya will change under our leadership,” she said.
Difficult to break
Ms Wanga assured Karua of 100 per cent voter turnout. “In my county of Homa Bay, I assure you that we are going to work together with candidates of ODM to ensure everybody casts their vote,” she said.
Karua told Kenyans to shun propaganda that Azimio is part of the ruling Jubilee government. “Jubilee is just one of the 26 political parties forming the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition,” she said.
She said their forays in several parts of the country, including in Central region, which had been deemed difficult to break, are bearing fruit. She cited Coast, Eastern, North Eastern, Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Nyanza and parts of Rift Valley, where Azimio has consolidated support.
Luo Nyanza has 2,160,439 registered voters, Gusii 960,293 and Western 2,616,929.
