Azimio to unveil manifesto today

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga with other Azimio leaders at Mazembe grounds in Nakuru on June 5, 2022. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition will today officially unveil its manifesto, which its presidential candidate Raila Odinga hopes will net the undecided voters.

Speaking in Nakuru yesterday, Raila said the 10-point manifesto has everything for everyone in the country, promising to ensure equality in resource distribution across the 47 counties.

“We shall on Monday unveil our manifesto in Nairobi. We have no doubt that with this, every Kenyan, especially the undecided and those in the opposing camp, will back us,” he said.

He expressed high hopes in succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying his manifesto will prioritise people-based issues.

“I am now more determined than ever to deliver this country from the bondage that holds our people. The health of our people and the economy shall be my priority. You can't wish to lead Kenyans and lack the commitment to change their lives,” said Raila.

The Mazembe grounds rally yesterday was also the first joint tour of the coalition’s top three leaders – Raila, his running mate Martha Karua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

The Azimio candidate underscored the significance of Nakuru in the country’s politics, saying this informed his decision to hold his first rally outside Nairobi after being officially listed as a presidential candidate.

“Any serious presidential candidate knows what Nakuru means in national politics. This is why I decided to hold my first rally outside Nairobi here. We are looking for your over a million votes,” he said.

Karua said the Azimio manifesto will be a game-changer for the country socially, economically and politically.

“Those who have been unsure of whom to support will find a reason to back me and Raila by Monday evening. Raila has matured politically and his promises are true based on the sacrifices he has made for the country,” she said.

After the IEBC clearance, Karua says the next two months will mark a different form of campaigns that will leave their opponents gasping.

“We have started the journey officially today. We shall now use all our energies in the next two months, which will define the direction this country will take,” she said.

Kalonzo said he had established some powerful names in Kenyan politics would fade after August 9.

“I didn’t want to be part of the big names that will disappear after the election. I was not ready for such a mistake,” he said.