Muslim leaders ‘back’ Raila on lowering cost of living
By Winnie OnyandoAzimio leader Raila Odinga says he has the support of Muslim leaders in his bid to champion for the reduction in the cost of living.
Mr Odinga spoke on March 2, 2023 after meeting Imam leaders in Nairobi.
“The Nairobi Branch of the Council of Imams and Preachers Kenya (CIPK) has expressed alarm about the country’s rapidly rising cost of living. They have also voiced their full support for Azimio in our quest, we appreciate their solidarity,” said Mr Odinga.
Also present were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
Mr Odinga and his political allies have held several rallies and prayer meetings since losing the August 2022 polls to President William Ruto.
During the meetings, they have complained about their supposed stolen victory in the polls and the soaring prices of commodities such as Unga, sugar, gas refilling and electricity.
Last week after holding a prayer rally at Jevanjee gardens, Odinga gave Ruto a two-week ultimatum to reduce the cost of living.
Odinga also called for mass action if Ruto failed to lower the cost of living.
The Imams have called upon the government to act speedily and help drought-stricken areas.
This comes at a time when severe drought is projected to leave about 5.4 million people in Kenya without adequate access to food and water.
The current drought has been the most severe and longest with widespread livelihood losses and massive displacement of populations.
On the other hand, the Imams have also called upon Odinga to ensure that the law on LGBTQ does not prevail in Kenya.
“They are now saying that the LGBTQ group can have an association. On the other hand, they are contradicting themselves that they will not allow LGBTQ in Kenya. We want to know their stand. Such movements are not good for our kids. This is why we call upon you Baba to do something,” they said in a statement.
Currently, nine arid and semi-arid (ASAL) counties namely; Kilifi, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, Wajir, Isiolo, Kitui and Kajiado are in Alarm drought phase while 13 counties are in Alert drought phase.
With the drought situation in the country, the cost of living has also gone up with the majority being unable to put a meal on the table.
The ODM leaders have held political rallies in various counties to protest against the high cost of living.
President William Ruto on the other hand has been promising that he will lower the cost of living yet prices of commodities still remain high.
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