Raila on Saturday hosted a delegation of Kikuyu leaders at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, a political gesture that came amid his calls on politicians to shun the 2022 succession debate. Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa has defended Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s latest political moves.
Speaking on Monday, Aladwa noted that the move should not be taken as a political action, stating that Raila has every right to host such groups in his capacity as a national leader. Aladwa was speaking on Radio Citizen’s Mjadala Wa Citizen show on Monday morning, where he added that Raila also has a right to make political steps if he decides to do so, and should not be questioned.
He said that the meeting doesn’t in any way mean that Raila who has been silent on his future ambitions has finally begun preparing himself for the 2022 presidential race.
“Raila kukutana na viongozi wengine ni kawaida, haimaanishi ako na mipango ya kisisasa. Hata naibu wa Rais amekuwa akifanya hivyo (Raila meeting fellow leaders is a normal action, the Deputy President (William Ruto) has been doing the same),” he said.
Aladwa was speaking on Radio Citizen’s Mjadala Wa Citizen show on Monday morning, where he added that Raila also has a right to make political steps if he decides to do so, and should not be questioned.
The vocal politician further noted that the former prime minister has demonstrated his commitment towards the fight against corruption, as is the case with his allies.
“Hata kama ameamua kujipanga na mambo ya 2022 hiyo ni haki yake. Lakini kwa sasa amesema anafuatilia mambo ya handshake na vita dhidi ya ufisadi (Even if he has decided to prepare for the 2022 polls that’s within his rights. However, he has noted that he is currently concentrating on matters to do with the handshake and the anti-graft war),” he added.
The Kikuyu elders, led by former Molo MP Njenga Mungai and former Cabinet Minister Musa Sirma hinted at backing Raila’s yet-to-be-announced 2022 presidential bid.