Why Raila Will Declare Candidacy After Voter Registration

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ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses the media at a past event
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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga has disclosed that by the end of this month he will declare his candidature to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2022 General Election. 

Raila has stressed that his decision would be determined by the outcome of the ongoing registration of voters that ends this month. 

Raila noted that low registration turnout could lead him to opt out of the race. 

Undated image of a Kenyan During a Past IEBC Voter Registration Exercise
A file image of someone registering as a voter in a past exercise.
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IEBC

“You must all get your shield and spear for me to be able to have a strong command against our opponents,” he stated. 

Raila has called on his supporters to prepare for next years election by acquiring national ID cards and registering as voters in large numbers. 

Raila noted that he must see the number of registered voters in order to compete with anyone for the top office. 

The ODM leader, who has been touring various regions accompanied by politicians as they engaged the voters, has been hesitant to declare his bid. 

Raila has also called on voters from his region who are of age to take advantage of the one-month voter registration. 

“I am not happy because young people in this region are very reluctant to register as voters while those from other regions are beating us” Raila noted. 

During his tours, Raila has asserted that his main focus is on the  Azimio La Umoja campaign bid, where he is informing Kenyans of his track record as well as unveiling his plans for the future. 

In the recent past, he has suggested that his decision would be based on the opinions and consultations from Kenyans. 

"I am getting the opinions of Kenyans on different issues and at the end of these consultations, which I hope is going to be by the end of this month, I'll have made up my mind and I will make an announcement if I am going to run or not," he stated. 

President Uhuru and ODM leader Raila.
President Uhuru and ODM leader Raila.
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