Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s funds drive at Omobera SDA Primary School in Kisii County on Sunday raised more than Ksh4 million.
The event, which saw leaders from across the political divide make contributions, was aimed at raising funds to help children access education with ease.
The former Prime Minister donated Ksh2 million while his Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka contributed Ksh400,000.
Simba Arati, the host governor in Kisii County, also contributed Ksh400,000 while UDA Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri gave Ksh30,000.
Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri sitting in a Senate Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
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Esther Okenyuri
“It was a great afternoon at the fundraiser for Omobera SDA Primary School in Kisii County,” stated the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader.
“Now, more than ever, free education to university level, a core Azimio vision, is crucial for our nation. It is unacceptable that university education is now being made less accessible.”
Other leaders who made contributions were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Patrick Imwatok (Ksh40,000) and Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo (Ksh300,000).
At the event, the former Prime Minister asked President William Ruto to desist from arm-twisting governors in service delivery.
He argued that instead, the Head of State should accord them ample time to carry out their mandates independently.
“Ruto should not turn our governors into his personal workers. Money should trickle down from the National Government to local governments. The President should give governors money to construct affordable houses,” he stated.
Arati and Musyoka, while backing the ODM leader, challenged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from making roadside proclamations regarding the bipartisan talks.
Speaking in Meru, Gachagua asked Ruto to strike out Azimio la Umoja’s demand to have the results of the 2022 presidential election audited.
He noted that he was uncomfortable with the agenda and wanted it dropped arguing that the committee does not have the power to deliberate on the issue.
“I, together with millions of supporters, was against these talks with Azimio people but when you decided we talk, we agreed as we could not argue with you but there’s one agenda we do not agree with, to audit the 2022 general election,” Gachagua stated.
Kalonzo, who leads the opposition’s bipartisan team, however, claimed that the agenda had already been ratified by both sides of the political aisle.
“We have already settled on the agenda (for the bipartisan talks). If he (Gachagua) has a divergent opinion, he should make formal applications to have his opinion heard,” the former Vice President insisted.
The bipartisan teams have until the end of October to present the findings to the Head of State and the leader of the opposition.
Kalonzo Musyoka speaking in Taita Taveta County on August 3, 2023.
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Kalonzo Musyoka
