Raila in Nyeri: Ida gets Kikuyu name as ODM chief receives warm reception

Raila Odinga started his two-day tour of Nyeri County on Friday, November 26. [Lydia Nyawira, Standard]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga began his two-day tour of Nyeri County on Friday, November 25.

Odinga was received by Kikuyu elders and traditional dancers at the Kabiruini Grounds in Nyeri Town.

Musicians Ben Githae, Jose Gatutura, Joyce wa Mama were among those lined up to entertain the ODM chief.

Odinga is expected to address gatherings, meet Kikuyu elders, the youth and professional groups in his extensive tour of the county.

At Kabiruini Grounds, he met 600 elders, drawn from the Kikuyu and Luo factions.

Odinga was accompanied to Kabiruini by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu, Senator Ephraim Maina, MPs Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town), Kanini Kega (Kieni), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Siaya Senator James Orengo, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Governors Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua) and Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia).

Nyeri Town lawmaker Ngunjiri Wambugu was the master of ceremony at the Kabiruini function.

Odinga’s wife, Ida, was also among those who accompanied the opposition leader to Nyeri.

A group of elderly Kikuyu women gave Ida the nickname Nyawira, meaning a hard-working woman.