This archive report was first published on 15 January 2022.
January 15, 2022, marked a significant day in Kenya's history as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga addressed concerns over ethnic clashes during elections. Speaking in Thika, Odinga reassured Kenyans that they will be safe, regardless of their location in the country.
He emphasized that his administration will not tolerate inciting remarks, citing past incidents such as the 1992, 1997, and 2008 ethnic clashes. The ODM leader recalled the tragic incident where a child was thrown back into a burning church, stating that such atrocities must not recur.
"We cannot afford to allow that to happen again in the country. It will not happen, it will not happen under Uhuru's watch, it will not happen under Baba's watch," Odinga asserted.
He further denied claims by Deputy President William Ruto that he would be a marionette President, answerable only to a few wealthy individuals. Odinga clarified that his pledges, including the Sh6,000 social welfare stipend for the unemployed, are centered on creating job opportunities and solving the unemployment menace in Kenya.
However, Ruto described the Sh6,000 monthly pledge as an 'insult,' arguing that Kenyans do not need handouts. He stated, "In any other society, there will always be those who are owners of capital and those who are working, but you do not deprive those who are poor, you give opportunity to those who are rich."
