NAIROBI- Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has this evening officially announced he will run for the presidency in the forth coming general elections slated for August 2022.

Raila who made the declaration at the Azimio la Umoja convention fete held at Kasarani Stadium said he is not opposed to the candidature of anyone.

“I do hereby accept to present myself as a presidential candidate for the presidential elections of August 9, 2022 following the request and unanimous decision by Azimio la Umoja,” Raila said.

“I’m in this race to mould one indivisible nation. I‘m not at war with any personalities. I’m at war with ideologies that would lead this nation the wrong direction.”

Odinga also formally launched the Azimio la Umoja movement, which he said will be a coalition which he will use in galvanizing support from Kenyans.

The opposition leader added that he will soon unveil his manifesto to the public anchored on seeking redress on fundamental and critical issues such as corruption, industrialisation, Public debt, digital economy and ICT and protection of business enterprises such as the private property.

Raila underscored that his handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2018 was as result of talks and understanding and agreed to come together with the belief that Kenya is greater than them.

“In the course of our discussions we agreed that Kenya is greater than the two of us. We agreed that despite years of effort, project Kenya had not taken off the way our fore fathers envisaged,” Raila said.

The former premier eventually thanked Kenyans for turning out in large numbers to celebrate his big day and filling the stadium to capacity.

At least 20 governors, diplomats and more than 50 members of parliament graced the occasion.
Governors who attended the ceremony are Ali Joho (Mombasa), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu), James Ongwae (Kisii), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), Ali Korane (Garissa), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), Martin Wambora (Embu), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), and James Nyoro (Kiambu).

Slightly less than a year to the next general election, Raila is throwing his hat in the ring for a fifth stab at the presidency and had forfeited his last four previous attempts at the house on the hill.

The ODM leader has previously remained cagey on his 2022 candidature with his supporters doubting whether he will present himself as a contender for the presidency.

Unlike his previous stabs at presidency, Odinga this time around appears to enjoy the favour of the State machinery and incumbency and the unwavering support of high profile business mogul from the Mt Kenya Foundation who have since endorsed him to run for the top seat.