On a mission to transform Lamu into the 'Dubai of Africa', ODM leader Raila Odinga has vowed to drive the establishment of large-scale industries in the region.
Speaking to residents in Mpeketoni, Witu, and Mkunguni areas during his visit to Lamu County, Raila Odinga said he would use his position as the African Union's (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development to push for the construction of a railway line connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean in Lamu.
The railway line, he said, would facilitate the transportation of goods from Dubai, Japan, and other parts of the world to Lamu, and vice versa.
He identified the Port of Lamu (Lapsset) as the hub of business for Lamu, Kenya, and the world at large, and promised to ensure the completion of the remaining Lapsset projects to create jobs for many young people in Lamu and Kenya.
He also emphasized the need to boost the marine economy, particularly fishing, through the establishment of fish processing industries in Lamu.
“We have Lapsset, with the first three projects under construction. The first one is already complete, and business activities are ongoing. My goal is to see all 32 projects completed to create jobs for the youth,” Raila Odinga said.
He added, “Instead of leaving countries like China to overfish and export our fish, my goal is to establish a large fish processing plant in Lamu. We want to see fish being processed and sold locally and internationally from Lamu.”
While addressing the Azimio La Umoja, Raila Odinga urged residents of Lamu and Kenyans in general to maintain peace, equality, love, cooperation, and unity during this critical period ahead of the 2022 General Election.
He warned against being swayed by individual politicians.
Meanwhile, Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha called on residents to unite to ensure Raila Odinga becomes the President of the country in 2022.
“Raila is a leader who has been imprisoned for many years fighting for the rights of Kenyan citizens. As one way of thwarting his efforts, it is wise to unite and elect him as the President of the country,” Fahim Twaha said.
Lamu West MP Stanley Muthama also called on residents to ensure they vote for Raila Odinga to secure his victory in the 2022 general election.
Other leaders who accompanied Raila Odinga during the one-day visit to Lamu include Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, politicians Jeremiah Kioni and Maina Kamanda, and former Lamu Women Representative Shakila Abdalla.
