We Should Have A VAR For 2027 Elections- Raila

Raila recommended that the Constitution of Kenya should be reviewed in order to streamline operations at the electoral body as well as other government bodies.

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Oct 29, 2022 - 07:46
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We Should Have A VAR For 2027 Elections- Raila
Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. /FACEBOOK

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for urgent reforms in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to avoid being made to witness the same tricks he alleged cost him the 2022 general elections.

Speaking in Siaya County on Friday, October 28, Raila recommended that the Constitution of Kenya should be reviewed in order to streamline operations at the electoral body as well as other government bodies.

While calling for fairness amongst government organisations, Raila recommended a watchdog system to verify specific scenarios, even the elections, likening his wishes to a football match where the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checks for any errors in initial refereeing decisions or missed irregularities during a football match.

ODM leader Raila Odinga and Siaya governor James Orengo during the burial of Barack Otieno Oduor on October 28, 2022. /TWITTER.JAMES ORENGO

“There is the video assist referee (VAR) in any football match these days. The purpose is to ensure a fair process while officiating the match,” the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party leader said. 

“We should also have improvements and introduce VARs to end a repeat of what has been taking place in this country during elections.”

He however added that the reforms were not for his own gain so that he can end his horrible run of losing five consecutive general elections, but for the good of the people of Kenya.

Raila downplayed calls for him to retire, saying he will not hang his boots until he champions a better country.

“It is not about Raila becoming president. It is about better services – affordable food, clean water, employment for millions of youths and better healthcare for all.

"When my time to retire from politics comes, I will peacefully exit the stage. There shouldn’t be any discussion about that. Our focus now should be reforming the politics of this country so that democracy may thrive,” Raila stated while addressing mourners at the burial of his wife, Ida Odinga's bodyguard. 

Her aide, Barrack Oduor, was shot dead in a confrontation with a club manager in mid-October 2022. 

The Azimio principal added that he would soon drop a surprise announcement that would shift the politics in the country, noting that he was not yet done.

"Do not give up. Be strong because I am not yet tired. Should I give up or continue? I will give directions on the path we shall take when the time is right.

"Going forward, we want to bring change to our people so that Kenyans can live a comfortable life. That is what service to the nation is all about," he stated.

Siaya Governor, James Orengo, heaped praise on Raila as a political mastermind and asked his supporters to trust in his process, despite losing to President William Ruto in the elections.

"You better be prepared. You will understand what type of leader Raila Odinga is. Courage and determination will take us where we want to go," the governor stated.

He added that Kenyans should prepare for tougher economic times after President Ruto decried that it would take a year to reduce the cost of living.

“We must tighten our belts because the Kenya Kwanza government has begun on a wrong footing. The government is saying that things will improve after one year. What if things get worse? Will they ask for another year?” Orengo asked.

Since Ruto's inauguration, Raila has gone under the radar, occasionally realising statements opposing the Kenya Kwanza administration's policies.

While addressing Bunge la Wananchi in September, the ODM boss stated that he would relax first in Ruto's first 100 days before reemerging to put pressure on the new administration. 

President William Ruto during the swearing-in of Cabinet Secretaries on October 27, 2022. /STATE HOUSE KENYA

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