Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has rescued a hawker who wrote him a letter during his Azimio la Umoja tour in Thika, Kiambu County weeks ago.
Speaking during a rally held at Ihura stadium in Murang'a County on Saturday, January 29, the former Prime Minister responded by revealing the details of the letter.
Raila invited the man to the podium, noting how the hawker detailed in the letter the challenges facing other traders in the region under the watch of the local administration.
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Amid cheers, the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development promised to rescue the hawker by taking him as one of his soldiers ahead of the August 9 General Election.
The hawker joins Raila's campaign team as a key mobiliser.
"I read his letter, he is a trader in Thika but he has experienced a lot of trouble from the local authorities," Raila stated.
He added, " I told him that what he was going through is similar to what we experience under the hands of local authorities even in Nairobi. But I have taken him in as one of my loyal soldiers, we will walk together until we save all the other traders."
Raila was forced to intervene during the Thika rally on January 15, as the hawker tried to seek audience with him while being blocked by his security officers.
Odinga stopped the officers from blocking the man, forcing them to pick up the letter with Raila promising to respond to the letter.
Raila was in Murang'a county in a joint rally with some of the Jubilee political leaders popularising Azimio la Umoja Movement. The ODM leader is seeking to take a stab at the presidency using the movement which is set to be officially registered.
Before his Ihura stadium rally, Raila accompanied by his son and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, he paid a visit to his in-laws in Kandara.
Raila met with Daniel Gachukia, 93, and Eddah Gachukia, who are the founders of Riara Group of Schools and Riara University.
The family welcomed Raila in the region promising him support ahead of the August 2022 Presidential Election.
