Raila: I intend to settle in Kibra when I quit active politics
Opposition leader Raila Amollo Odinga announced plans to settle in Kibra Constituency in Nairobi County when he finally quits active politics.
Speaking on Wednesday in Kibra where he had gone to meet with local leaders, Christian and Muslim clergy, as well as traders, Mr Odinga said that they had all agreed that harmonious co-existence that has defined the constituency must continue.
He also said revisited the issue of land rights for Nubians in Kibra.
“Kibra is the melting point of Kenya. All Kenyan tribes can be found in Kibra. I have been the Parliamentary representative for Kibra for 20 years and no one has ever beat me in a Kibra election. Every time I was voted in with many more votes by all tribes. Sometimes, however, Kikuyus would not vote for me in presidential elections but they would vote for me in Parliamentary elections. For president they would vote for the late (Mwai) Kibaki. The Kamba people would vote for Kalonzo, but vote for me in Parliamentary race,” Mr Odinga said.
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He also revealed that when he retires, he will return to Kibra with hopes of being given a piece of land to settle in.
“I am one of Kibra’s people. During debate on Mau Forest, you heard me say I am ready to come and sell mandazi in Kibra but the Mau should be preserved. Didn’t I say that? I will retire in Kibra. On the day I retire, I will come to you and ask you to give me a piece of land and I will build there,” he said.
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Mr Odinga and his political allies visited Kibra Constituency in the aftermath of the destruction of property witnessed in the slum during Monday protests by Azimio la Umoja supporters.
Mr Odinga reiterated that the opposition intends on leading biweekly demonstrations every Monday and Thursday until President Ruto meets a set of conditions including lowering the high cost of living in the country.
“(President) Ruto must make no mistake. We will continue marching on, growing stronger and more powerful with each vile response, and we will not give up,” he said.
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