Over 30 Governors Throw Their Weight Behind Raila’s 2022 Presidential Bid

More than 30 county governors have declared their support for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid.

The governors threw their weight behind the ‘Azimio la Umoja’ movement presidential flagbearer following a meeting with Odinga in Naivasha on Monday.

They said their decision was informed by Odinga’s support for a decentralized system of governance, describing him as the ‘father of devolution.’

“Raila Odinga amepigania uhuru wa nchi hii mpaka hata akwekwa kizuizini kwa miaka nane. Ikiwa ni katiba ya 2010 alikuwa mbele alisaidiana na wenzake kuileta; katika ugatuzi, he is really the father of devolution, that is undisputed,” said Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

The leaders pledged to mobilize grassroots teams to facilitate voter registration in their counties in a bid to boost Odinga’s chances of succeeding President Kenyatta.

 “We are happy as governors that we have found a person who can defend and protect devolution,” Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu said.

“We all as governors have come here to say, with one voice, that we are going to go out there to make sure that Raila Odinga is the next president of Kenya.”

The governors further stated that they have faith that under Odinga’s presidency, there will be fair and equal distribution of resources in the country.

Governor Ngilu took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto and his allies, accusing them of opposing the strengthening of devolution and the transformation of the country.

“There is only one person who over the years never supported the constitution, not in 2005, 2010, and even now when we wanted to amend it. Somebody must forever be wanting to do things that are not right for this country,” Ngilu added.

Odinga, 77, will be making his fifth attempt at the presidency in the August 9th elections, having unsuccessfully contested in 1997, 2007, 2013, and 2017.