ODM chief Raila Odinga’s presidential bid got a major boost on Thursday after UDM delegates endorsed him for the country’s top seat.
The delegates unanimously ratified Raila’s candidature, saying the party will support him under the Azimio la Umoja arrangement.
“UDM endorses the Raila Odinga as its presidential candidate for the 2022 general election,” party lawyer Issa Mansur said.
The delegates okayed the resolution in the presence of Raila and UDM top officials led by their party boss Ali Roba.
The delegates also okayed the party to join Azimio la Umoja.
The convention also ratified the party’s partnership with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee party.
UDM delegates approved new party colours – red, yellow and black- as well as symbol – he goat.
Mandera Governor Ali Roba said UDM has ‘locked’ Northeastern for Raila, adding that they will embark on aggressive grassroots campaigns for the ODM boss.
Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, DAP-K leader Wafula Wamunyinyi were among top politicians at the Bomas of Kenya for UDM’s NDC.
The support for the former Prime Minister comes days after Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi officially announced that his Devolution Empowerment Party has joined the Azimio La Umoja movement.
The announcement was made during the party’s meeting on Tuesday that was attended by Raila ahead of its National Delegates Conference set for March 18.
The governor has announced that he will defend his seat in the August 9 elections.
He said that the party made the move after analysing what the people were saying about their future.
“We have done the research, talked to opponents, and listened to confidential reports. I can confidently tell you that the fifth president of the Republic of Kenya is no other than Raila Odinga ,” Murungi said. BY THE STAR