PM vows his government will be all-inclusive

By Francis Ngige

Prime Minister Raila Odinga was in Central Kenya with a promise that his government would be all-inclusive.

In a move seen as trying to appease the region that is viewed as Uhuru Kenyatta’s political base, Raila described as “rubbish” claims that he would alienate certain regions.

Raila made a triumphant entry into Nyeri where enthusiastic crowds welcomed him as he toured the town.

The PM, who had earlier on in the day addressed local business people in a breakfast meeting, walked along the streets waving at jubilant crowds.

He then addressed rallies at the main bus park where he told residents of Central Kenya to read the signs of times and see that the CORD Alliance will form the next government.

His tour of Nyeri was boosted by the presence of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, whose supporters formed a large crowd of those who welcomed the PM.

He was also buoyed by the presence of Media Mogul SK Macharia, who vowed to work overtime to ensure that Raila wins the presidency.

“CORD is for all Kenyans and we are confident that the whole country is corded. We should not be misled by people bandying the ethnic card to win the vote,” said Raila.

Destroy business

And speaking during a breakfast meeting with Nyeri business people at Greenhills Hotel, Raila said Cord had an agenda for the whole country.

“There are people claiming that if Raila becomes president he will work hard to destroy Kikuyu businesses. This is rubbish!”

“How can I destroy businesses and my main agenda is to improve the economy to have it grow by double digits,” posed Raila.

During the meeting with the business people, some of the participants told him there was apprehension among the Kikuyu community that his presidency would work against him.

But dismissing the notion as and misguided, Raila said he was also a businessman “and I know what supports the economy”.

Apart from meeting the business community, Raila addressed ODM members at the Catholic Cathedral Hall and later paid a visit to former Cabinet minister Waruru Kanja at his Kiganjo home.

Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo and Turkana South MP Josphat Nanok accompanied him as well as businessman Peter Kuguru. East African Legislative Assembly MP Mumbi Ngaru was also in attendance.

The PM, who avoided directly attacking his Jubilee Alliance rivals, said this year’s election would not be won through ethnic caucuses but by realistic ideologies.