Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader, Raila Odinga, made a bold statement on Monday morning as he abandoned his lavish vehicles in favour of a matatu for his trip from Karen to the bustling Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi.
Raila's decision to take the matatu to work comes in the wake of his recent call for Kenyans to carpool, walk, or use public service vehicles due to the escalating cost of living.
In a viral video that has captured the attention of social media users, the former Prime Minister is seen walking from his residence in Karen to a nearby bus stop.
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Along the way, he engages with fellow Kenyans, purchases newspapers, and then proceeds to board a matatu for his commute.
Notably, Raila generously paid the bus fare for all the passengers on board the matatu during his journey, highlighting his commitment to addressing the burdens faced by ordinary Kenyans.
"Embracing the convenience and camaraderie of public transport heading to work this morning," Raila expressed in the video.
The renowned politician disembarked at the Ambassador Matatu terminus, attracting a crowd as he embarked on a symbolic journey through the city centre.
As Raila disembarked, he made his way to the Tom Mboya statue near the National Archives.
There, to the amusement of onlookers, he approached a shoe shiner and had his shoes cleaned, while chants of 'Baba, Baba, Baba' filled the air, echoing the affectionate term used to address him by his supporters.
Undeterred, Raila continued his walk, heading towards Kimathi Street and paying homage to the Dedan Kimathi statue.
The Azimio leader then strolled for approximately five hundred meters until he reached Pronto, a popular eatery adjacent to the Nairobi County Assembly.
Over breakfast, he engaged in discussions with a select group of Members of the County Assembly of Nairobi, furthering his efforts to connect with various segments of society.
Outside the restaurant, Raila Odinga addressed a large gathering of citizens who had eagerly awaited his arrival. Expressing his empathy, he voiced his disappointment in the government's failure to address the hardships faced by Kenyans amidst the escalating cost of living.
"I just arrived in the CBD in a matatu, and I know what you people are going through. The high cost of fuel has compelled matatu operators to increase fares, and I blame it on this inept administration," Raila passionately stated, stirring the charged crowd.
He announced that on Wednesday, citizens would take to the streets not only in Nairobi but across the country to assert their rights.
Emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests and adherence to the rule of law, Raila urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers and make their voices heard.
Accompanying the Azimio leader on his eventful journey was the Chairman of the Azimio Executive Committee, Wycliffe Opayanya, legislators Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central) and Peter Orero (Kibra), as well as the Leader of the Majority in the County Assembly of Nairobi, Peter Imwatock, and the Majority Whip, Moses Ogeto.
Raila's decision to immerse himself in the daily experiences of ordinary Kenyans through his matatu ride and engagements in the city centre underscores his commitment to understanding their challenges.
As he prepares for the upcoming nationwide demonstrations, the opposition leader continues to champion the rights and welfare of the people, calling for peaceful and organized expressions of their democratic rights.
Raila's decision to utilize public transport resonates with his recent call for Kenyans to unite against the high cost of living and the newly introduced taxes imposed by the Kenya Kwanza regime.
At a recent Azimio rally held at Kamukunji Grounds, the opposition leader urged Kenyans to boycott paying taxes to President William Ruto's government, particularly in defiance of the recently passed Finance Act 2023.
"Let's arrange to travel regularly in a single vehicle whenever possible; let's give each other a lift, reduce non-essential travel and walk instead of driving whenever possible," Raila had urged.
The Finance Bill passed by the government will lead to increased taxes on fuel products due to a rise in VAT on petroleum products from 8 per cent to 16 per cent. In response, Raila has called on Kenyans to limit their consumption of petrol and diesel to deny President Ruto the fuel tax.
Carpooling is seen as one effective way to achieve this goal.
It is worth noting that the Azimio leader has recently launched a nationwide collection of 10 million signatures to push for President Ruto and his government to step down.
Raila remains dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by ordinary Kenyans, especially with regard to the high cost of living and the burden of new taxes.
As Raila Raila continues to lead the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, his decision to experience firsthand the struggles of ordinary Kenyans through his use of public transport sends a powerful message.
The former Prime Minister's actions highlight his commitment to standing in solidarity with the people and striving for a better future for all.
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