NAIROBI, Kenya, May 10 – Prime Minister Raila Odinga hit the campaign trail on Tuesday afternoon in support of ODM\’s candidate for the Kamukunji Parliamentary seat Ibrahim Ahmed.
The PM, who was leading a team of ODM luminaries, drummed up support for Ahmed, popularly known as \’Johnnie\’, describing him as a hard working person who will bring needed change to the constituency.
"Two months ago, I was here with you and heard your grievances," Mr Odinga told a crowd at Muthurwa market. "I heard what you had to say about issues of sanitation and all that affect you here and I took action."
"Our friend here is a hardworking Kenyan who is going to take up from where I left and address all your grievances. Please vote for him."
He further called on residents to shun tribal alliances but rather to unite with a common goal of improving the development of the country.
"We want to see change taking place here in Kamukunji. There are people who are spreading propaganda about a grouping called KKK. Do you refuse this issue of KKK?" he asked.
The Kamukunji Parliamentary seat fell vacant after a successful petition by Johnnie that saw the nullification of Simon Mbugua\’s 2007 election.
Also present on the campaign trail was Budalang\’i Member of Parliament Ababu Namwamba who praised Johnnie as the best candidate for the job.
"There are hyenas that have crept into the village. They have hunted all the sheep that are keen on developing the nation. They stole Johnnie\’s votes in 2007 and they are now roaming in Kamukunji to hoodwink you to return them to power. Do not be misled by them," he said.
The Budalang\’i legislator further explained that a win by Johnnie in the May 23 by election would also bolster ODM\’s strength in the August House.
"We want you to vote for Johnnie so that the Prime Minister\’s soldiers can be increased in Parliament so that if they bring any problem, we whip them down," he stated.
Starehe Member of Parliament Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, on the other hand, described Johnnie as a hardworking person keen on bringing change in the area.
"The season of development has arrived. In all these years that have passed, you have been begging me to help you many times. Is that so? Now I am humbly coming to you requesting you to vote for Johnnie during the Kamukunji by-election," she stated.
The Assistant Minister stressed the need for focus to be put on leaders who are aware and take action on the plight of people within the constituency.
Other people in the campaign trail included Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro, Former MP Reuben Ndolo and Acting Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa.
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