The Maa Community Council of Elders, leaders and representatives drawn from Narok, Samburu Kajiado, Laikipia, Marsabit and Baringo counties have today unanimously endorsed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga for Kenya’s top job in the 2022 general elections.
Speaking during the ‘Azimio La Umoja‘ meeting convened by Odinga, the leaders of the community affirmed their unwavering support for the ODM leader at a ceremony held in Rongai, Kajiado North constituency, Kajiado County. The ODM leaders who included party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Director of Elections Junet Mohammed, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, among others were hosted by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku.
The elders, while endorsing the ODM leader noted that Odinga was fit for the job on grounds that he had stood by them time and again even when it was unpopular to do so resulting in the region’s development as well as unity and peace.
‘You all know Raila Odinga has stood by you through the hard times, for example on matters of land and historical injustices to our people, not forgetting the rehabilitation of the Mau Summit that cost him the Presidency. Today, I am here not because I am a member of ODM or Jubilee or whichever political party, but I am here to remind you that since 1992, no other leader in this country has defended the Maa Community more than Odinga has. It is for that reason that I beseech you to support him to ascend to power in the coming elections,’
Said former National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo.
Ministry of Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko who was present at the meeting noted that the Maa Community would benefit from an Odinga presidency adding that the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga had resulted in peace and stability in the country.
‘You have stood with us, you have earned our trust, you have earned our confidence and that is why the Maa Community is today declaring that they will stand with you now and in the future.’
said CS Tobiko.
Odinga on his part, urged the community to maintain peace adding that he is aware of the historical injustices to the community and would definitely ensure the concerns are addressed.
‘Our main agenda is to first preach peace among our people, it is through peace that economic stability can be achieved. I therefore take this opportunity to urge you all as leaders of the Maa community to take home the message of peace which will ensure a prosperous Kenya for the Maa community and for all Kenyans,’
Odinga noted.
The Maasai elders read a declaration in which they stated their unanimous decision to back the ODM leader.
“We the Kenyan Maa community in our quest for peace and unity endorse the azimio la umoja campaign spearheaded by the ODM party leader Raila Odinga, we further unanimously endorse him for the presidency in the forthcoming elections ,”
Read the declaration in part.
Previous Endorsements…
Mr Odinga has previously been endorsed in his Nyanza backyard following the region’s edition held at Sikri in Homa Bay County on August 19, 2021. The meeting brought together delegates from Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties.
The ODM leader, on Friday September 10 2021, held the second Azimio La Umoja meeting in Kakamega where he met delegates from Trans- Nzoia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia counties, receiving their endorsement.
The Azimio La Umoja campaigns launched in Nakuru on August 17, 2021 will now head to the Coast region followed by Northern Kenya. The campaigns will culminate into a major convention in Nairobi county next month where Mr Odinga is expected to officially declare his fifth stab at the presidency.
