Raila Forced To Postpone Kisii Rally After Warning From Leaders

The rally has been pushed to Friday, February 17 to allow for proper planning and consultation.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 13, 2023 - 08:54 Updated: Feb 13, 2023 - 08:57
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Raila Forced To Postpone Kisii Rally After Warning From Leaders
Raila Odinga addressing a crowd at Luanda, Vihiga County, on Saturday, February 11, 2023. /FACEBOOK.RAILA ODINGA

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, was on Sunday, February 12 forced to postpone his anti-President William Ruto rally that was initially set for Monday, February 13 in Kisii County.

The rally has been pushed to Friday, February 17 to allow for proper planning and consultation.

Kisii County Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chairperson Kerosi Ondieki mentioned that Kisii Governor Simba Arati has been designated to lead preparations for the mega rally.

Kisii county former governor James Ongwae led other leaders during a press briefing on February 11, 2023. /VIRALTEAKE.ELIZABETH ANGIRA

Ondieki however urged leaders from the region to support ODM and Azimio's agenda.

“We have held consultations, and we want to give everyone a chance to attend the meeting. Kisii is home to the ODM party, and we would want to listen to every opinion,” Ondieki said.

The postponement came hours after former Kisii governor, James Ongwae, urged the Gusii community to ignore all those who want to derail the relationship with the current government and depict the community as rebellious.

Speaking in Kisii county on Saturday, February 11, Ongwae, stated that the community is interested in development projects that will address the needs of more than 1.2 million people living within the diminishing land size.

Ongwae accused those planning orchestrated rallies across the country and wanting to do the same in the region.

"I urge you to reconsider your moves, accept that time for politicking is over, accept President William Ruto and give him an opportunity to fulfil his contract with Kenyans," he stated.

Ongwae pleaded with the leaders not to accept any shenanigans that are meant to paint the community as rebellious and to disadvantage the region from receiving the much-planned development projects.

He further cited that the people spearheading the generation of tension and chaos have in the past organized and encouraged their troops and people to receive the president in their region in a very organized manner.

He further announced that they will welcome the president and condemn any attempt to cause uneasiness and whipping emotions in the people with the aim of imagining that they can derail the visit.

"The community is ready and fully warmed for William Ruto and no doubt any contrary attempt will not be tolerated," he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Offman Ondieki, Secretary, of Kisii County Contractors Association and Josphine Ombati, former nominated Member of the County Assembly, who mentioned that the community is more focused on development matters.

Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday, September 9, 2022. /JAMES ONGWAE

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