Raila Publicly Endorses Tim Wanyonyi For Nairobi Gubernatorial Seat

File image of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
File image of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, publicly endorsed Westlands Member of Parliament, Tim Wanyonyi, on Sunday, January 30, for the Nairobi Gubernatorial seat

Addressing residents of Kawangware, Dagoretti North, where was campaigning yesterday, Raila made it clear that he is backing Wanyonyi after introducing him as the incoming Governor of Nairobi.

"I am here with a big team. Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Dagoreti South MP Dennis Waweru and former Speaker Beatrice Elachi. I am also here with the incoming Governor of Nairobi Tim Wanyonyi," the former Prime Minister stated in Swahili.

President Uhuru Kenyatta shakes hands with Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi at State House Grounds on March 7, 2020.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta shakes hands with Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi at State House Grounds on March 7, 2020.
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ODM Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, and Makadara MP, George Aladwa, also drummed up support for the Westlands MP after introducing him as the incoming Governor of Nairobi. 

On his part, Wanyonyi urged Kenyans to support Raila's presidential bid saying he is the right person for the job since he will steer the country in the right direction.

He assured Odinga that Nairobians are firmly behind him in his quest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, adding that he will win the seat in 90 minutes (figuratively speaking to indicate there will be no run-off).

While the ODM leader's endorsement of Wanyonyi is a major boost for his bid, it has dealt a blow to aspirants like Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president, Richard Ngatia, who has been banking on the Azimio La Umoja ticket to clinch the coveted seat.

Businessman Agnes Kagure has also previously stated that she would seek the Azimio La Umoja ticket and has been backing Raila's presidential bid.

Speaking in Nyeri on November 19, 2021, Kagure revealed that she supports the former Prime Minister.

“All Kenyans we are saying, Baba is our incoming President. And Nairobi is safer in Agnes Kagure's hands the incoming governor. I will soon launch my gubernatorial bid in Nairobi,” she explained. 

Below is the video.

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