Raila Odinga makes his final submission in Kasarani show of might - PHOTOS

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition led by its presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua held its grand finale rally at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi on Saturday.

A magnitude of Raila’s supporters who thronged the Stadium and were eager to listen to parting shots from their presidential hopeful and other leaders of the coalition attended the Event.

Raila urged his supporters to show up in large numbers on the election date and vote to ensure the Azimio coalition wins in the election.

He reiterated his commitment to fighting graft if he becomes president and also affirmed his promise to Kenyans to introduce the social protection programme which will cushion vulnerable Kenyan families by providing a Sh6000 monthly stipend within his first 100 days in office if he wins the Tuesday election.

Raila told off those questioning how his administration will implement its pledges to Kenyans by telling them they were focusing on the wrong matter and should focus on ending corruption in the country.

“People have asked us how we will give Sh6,000 to poor families, but that is the wrong question. The question you should be asking is how are a few corrupt people getting to be paid Sh800 billion every year from our budget? If we can afford to pay Sh800 billion to conmen, we can pay a mere Sh6,000 to known and real Kenyans struggling with life,” Raila said.

Raila told his supporters they were close to victory and have seen the proverbial promised land and urged his supporter to be ready for victory.

“We’re on the verge of a great victory. I, Raila Amollo Odinga, have seen Canaan; the land of milk and honey, the land of no woman cry. I have seen the promised land, the land of the ‘redemption song’. We know the battle is hardest when victory is nearest. Get ready my dear Kenyans, and keep the spirit of Aluta Continua,” Raila said.

He urged his supporters to appear at their respective polling stations early and cast their votes as they mark the seventh multi-party election in the country.

“Next Tuesday, all Azimio followers are to be at their polling stations by 6 am and cast their votes. August 9th marks the seventh multi-party election in Kenya. Let us vote early, let us win early. I need the vote of each and every one of you listening to me now,” he said.

Raila earnestly thanked his supporters for their unwavering support and for standing with him through his years of struggle to liberate the country.

“Fellow Kenyans, thank you for keeping the flames of freedom alive in our country. Thank you also for standing with me in the many years of struggle to liberate Kenya. Thank you for the battles we have fought together. The journey has been long, But I have not fought alone or felt lonely; we have fought together,” Raila said.

Raila also praised Karua for her contribution to the country, terming her as a freedom fighter who has stood the test of time.

“Fellow Kenyans, by voting in our next deputy president, Martha Wangari Karua, you will have a complete army to fight for you and our country. Martha is a freedom fighter; she has stood for the rights of the people of Kenya. She has paid a price for it. She has stood straight even in times of great difficulty, that is something you won’t find on the other side; there are neither fighters nor fighting spirits on the other side,” he said.

Raila delivered his last punch to his opponents in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance led by Deputy President William Ruto terming them as joyriders who have never fought for anything as far as the liberation of Kenya is concerned.

However, Raila pledged to be the president for all Kenyans and will not engage in any revenge mission if he becomes president.

"There’s no known fight for a better Kenya that has been led by people on the other side, the fighters are on this side. They are here at Kasarani today. In my government, there will be no revenge. I choose to be the president for all," the former premier said.

While addressing the magnitude of their supporters, Karua emphasised the best-qualified person to lead the country at the moment was her principal Raila.

She said Raila has proven time and again that he is the most capable person to lead the country who has the interests of Kenyans at heart.

“My principal Raila Amollo Odinga is a patriot, he has fought for our country all his years. He fought for the second liberation of the country and he helped bring the new constitution. When we were fighting for the new constitution, our opponents were opposing the move,” Karua said.

She reminded Kenyans of Raila’s achievements during his tenure as the Minister for Roads.

“You saw his work when he served Kenya as the Minister of Roads. Nobody else in Kenya has the qualifications for being the president of Kenya at this time apart from Raila Amollo Odinga,” Karua emphasised.

“Raila is a selfless person. He said ‘Kibaki Tosha’ forgetting even he could be president but perceived a united Kenya instead and rescued the country from dictatorship," she said.