A section of ODM die-hard supporters in Kwale County has called on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure that his 2022 campaign promises, including a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 for vulnerable families and free education, are implemented now that he is part of the government.
Speaking at Mpirani Primary School in Kinango sub-county, the ODM loyalists argued that Raila’s coalition agreement with President William Ruto’s administration should prioritize the needs of ordinary Kenyans, particularly those struggling with the high cost of living.
Led by former Kwale women Rep Zuleikha Hassan , the ODM members said that many families in the coastal region continue to face economic hardships and urged the government to fast-track social welfare programs.
“We support the coalition and very happy about it and we want Baba to push for the implementation of his pledges,” said Hassan.
Their calls come at a time when the government is facing criticism over the rising cost of basic commodities and stalled development projects.
Hassan said that Raila’s entry into the government should not only be symbolic but should translate into real benefits for the people.
She added that Raila should also use his influence to advocate for increased funding to the education and health sectors, ensuring that every child and Kenyans regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn and access quality healthcare services without financial barriers.
Hassan said currently many children in marginalized areas still lack access to quality schooling hence the need to call for completely free education.
She further urged the coalition leadership to ensure that development funds are increased and disbursed in a timely manner to fast-track grassroots development projects.
Hassan called on both Raila and President Ruto to come up with better policies to effectively fight corruption, which she described as the biggest threat to Kenya’s development.
“Kenya is a rich country, but because of corruption, taxpayers’ money has been swindled, and there is no accountability,” she said.
She said that without proper measures to curb corruption, any development agenda would be derailed, and ordinary citizens would continue to suffer.
Hassan said the broad based government should demonstrate commitment to fighting graft by ensuring that those implicated in corruption scandals are held accountable.
Meanwhile, Hassan weighed in on the coalition’s agenda, stating that the new political partnership should focus on job creation for the youth and the implementation of empowerment programs.
She urged the government to revive initiatives such as the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), which previously played a crucial role in equipping young people with skills and providing employment opportunities.
“The government should bring back programs like KYEOP to empower the youth with skills and job opportunities. Unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges, and we need sustainable solutions,” she said.
Kinango ODM Chair, Safari Nyanje, praised Raila for prioritizing the interests of Kenyans and national development.
He said that the ODM leader has the country’s best interests at heart, urging Kenyans not to mistake Raila’s actions for weakness but rather as a demonstration of strength in promoting peace and progress.
Nyanje expressed confidence that all agreements outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ruto and Raila would be fully implemented.
“Raila has made us proud by putting Kenya first above all else, and I am confident that everything they agreed upon will be fulfilled,” Nyanje said.
The Kasemeni MCA also urged Raila to ensure justice for those who were unfairly affected during the ODM grassroots elections.
According to Safari Nyanje, the elections were marred by dishonesty and lacked transparency.
Youth leader Fahad Mtoti expressed his support for the collaboration between Ruto and Raila, stating that young people are optimistic about the future and committed to working with both leaders to drive development.
He said that their unity signals a promising future for the youth.
“During the demonstrations, young people were the most affected and misused. Now that there is an alternative way to advance the country’s economic agenda, we fully support them,” he said.
Mtoti urged his fellow youth to support the union between the two leaders, emphasizing that it would create opportunities for job creation and economic stability.
He also cautioned them against being manipulated to cause unrest, warning that they would be the biggest losers in the end.
