The Mount Kenya Foundation, a body that consists of welathy businessmen from Mt Kenya region, has endorsed ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga for President.
The foundation announced the decision during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
MKF unanimously agreed to support Raila’s presidential candidature in a declaration that was read on their behalf by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya.
The influential businessmen said they wanted a leader who will continue to steer President Uhuru Kenyatta’s development legacy and they found Raila to be the best suited among the aspirants they interviewed last month.
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Munya said the group’s decision to support Raila was informed by his commitment and assurance to implement the constitutional principle of democratic and fair representation, equality of the vote in representation and equitable allocation of resources.
The former PM also fell on the foundation’s good books because, according to them, he had demonstrated a commitment to guarantee a fair share of government commensurate to the region’s population strength.
Raila's commitment to increase devolved funds and respect property rights also earned him more points with the influential businessmen.
The foundation further resolved to work with Raila to continue with Uhuru’s legacy and ensure prosperity.
“Consequently, we commit to work with Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to build on President Kenyatta’s legacy and make Kenya a great country that every Kenyan is proud to call home,” Munya said.
The MKF billionaires added that they were uncomfortable with the leadership of aspirants who are tainted with corruption and have failed to make a commitment to fight corruption and uphold and protect the Constitution.
“We do not feel safe in the hands of individuals with a history of looting public coffers, land grabbing and perpetrating the displacement of our people,” they said.
The Wednesday meeting was attended by a host of leaders from Mt Kenya and others from across the country.
Raila’s endorsement by the group comes only hours before his much anticipated Azimio la Umoja Convention slated for Friday at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.
The ODM leader is expected to announce officially his bid for presidency ahead of the 2022 general elections.
The group comprising businessmen from the Mount Kenya region had earlier met Raila in September.
In a separate meeting in October, the group also met One Kenya Alliance luminaries; Musalia Mudavadi, Gideon Moi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Cyrus Jirongo.
