Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga has unveiled a grand plan, which he says will rescue Kenyans and ensure that they cross over to what he described as the promised land.
Speaking in Nakuru County on Tuesday, August 17, Raila stated that there was need to fight graft, revive the economy, reduce the gap between the rich and the poor, and solve all problems afflicting the people.
He promised that his party will outline an effective political and governance framework, which will ensure the economy works for all Kenyans
The former Prime Minister added that he will work with leaders from across the country, stating that a single messiah cannot solve Kenya's problems.
His visit to the lakeside town of Nakuru was a major political statement in regard to his close partnership with President Uhuru Kenyatta whose allies accompanied the ODM boss.
Among those present included former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Gender CAS Racheal Shebesh and nominated MP Maina Kamanda. His statement came a few hours after Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju announced that ODM and Jubilee will enter into a coalition agreement.
Read Raila’s full speech
Our country needs a coherent plan to recast and implement our long-term development plans as contained in Vision 2030.
There can be no denying that the country needs to promote and protect small-scale businesses like the types that traders in Gikomba and similar markets have from unfair competition by foreigners.
We equally need to address the issue of punitive taxation so that we promote, not punish, investment. Kenya needs a fair and transparent tax regime, backed by a clean and efficient public service
We need to build a nation where leaders exist to serve people and not lord over them. A nation where meritocracy shall replace mediocrity and nepotism. A country with Zero Tolerance to corruption.
Fellow Kenyans, we have weathered strong storms and tides to resolve our problems and take our country forward over the years. It has been a difficult journey across a treacherous road to democracy, a liberalised economy, and a free and open society.
We have come this far because, at difficult times, we have always charted a path that sets us apart from other third world countries. A path that takes us forward not backwards and secures our future while benefitting from lessons of the bitter past.
And so today, we are here to launch another united effort to address the problems afflicting our people.
The journey we start today is intended to create the political and ideological unity that we require to confront the problems afflicting our people. We are coming together with a political and governance framework that ensures our economy works for each and every one of our citizens.
Our society is diverse, divided and complex. No single man or woman can be our sole messiah. We, therefore, have no option but to build inclusive political processes
We must therefore urgently embark on uniting, not dividing our people. Not pitting people against each other. Not pitting the poor against the rich, the young against the old, one faith against the other, tribe against tribe.
We must unite to safeguard the victories we have scored over the decades and advance them to protect our democracy and freedoms; our diversity and inclusivity shared prosperity, and morals and ethics.
We must unite to build prosperity and share it equitably, on a table where everyone feels represented. We need a united front against corruption and impunity. We have spoken so much about unity because we believe it matters. A house divided cannot stand.
We need unity of purpose around core long-term and consistent, not erratic policies with clearly defined goals as demanded by Kenyans.
We know where history has led those countries that fell victim to the sweet tongues of politicians. We must not allow ourselves to be falsely led down that path in 2022. We must take the high road, and summon the angels in us, not recall our demons.
We want every child - no matter their pedigree or identity - to think and believe that it can be morning in Kenya again, that we are about to arrive in a new land full of the most seductive possibilities.
Let us rise together to fulfil the dreams of our children and reclaim our great destiny. We must fix this country, fix its systems, fix its politics then fix its economy. Inawezekana (Yes it can)
Thank you. God bless Kenya.
