How ODM leader Raila Odinga will conclude his Azimio la Umoja campaigns

ODM leader Raila Odinga will conclude his Azimio la Umoja campaigns in Nairobi on December 6, after which he will declare his bid for the presidency.

The December rally will however come after two more meetings – one in Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s Ukambani backyard and another in the Central region.

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ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna confirmed the meetings but remained guarded on whether Raila would declare his presidential bid at the Nairobi event.

“You come for the rally. I am not going to disclose to you if the party leader will make that announcement at that rally,” Sifuna told the Star.

Raila is yet to formally declare his candidature to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2022 general election but has given several hints that he is in the race to State House.

He has said his focus at the moment is to unite Kenyans through his Azimio La Umoja campaigns. Raila has said his decision on whether to run would be based on opinions and consultations from Kenyans.

On Friday, Sifuna said the campaigns in Nairobi will be held after a rally in Nyeri on November 28. Another rally is planned for November 12 in Kitui.

Sifuna said ODM will open a register of lobby groups that want to work with the party and Raila. He said the register would be used to synchronize the activities of the lobby groups.

“There are so many lobby groups that have shown interest in working with Raila. We want to have a register so that we can coordinate activities to achieve more success,” Sifuna said.

He spoke at ODM headquarters in Nairobi when Daughters of Raila lobby group paid him a visit.

The group comprises youthful women leaders from all regions in the country.

Daughters of Raila secretary-general Angel Mbuthia appealed to ODM to support women who want to contest for various seats on the party ticket.

“Women hopefuls in next year’s elections are disadvantaged in so many ways. We are therefore appealing to ODM to give this group all the support needed,” she said.

Pauline Precious from Siaya county said ODM needs to allow women to take leadership roles in campaigns for the party.

“We have made up our minds to campaign for the party and seek elective positions. We will not sit at the periphery waiting to be nominated,” she said.

Sifuna said, “Young women will not be left out. We want to create an environment that will encourage women to participate in elections.”

“We want our party to hit its gender targets. We know campaigns can be difficult for women, but we will be speaking to organisations that support women in politics to come in.”