MERU AWAITS RAILA WITH BATED BREATH
Following his successful closing of the 3rd Devolution Conference in Meru last week, CORD Leader the Rt. Hon Raila Odinga returns to Meru this Saturday in what is being seen as a move to reinvigorate ODM party affairs ahead of the 2017 general elections. Raila is expected to also continue his highly visible campaign to market Miraa which is the mainstay of the region’s economy.
In his speech during the devolution conference, the CORD leader implored the Jubilee government to explore ways of diplomatically engaging the European Union with a view to facilitating the opening of lucrative export markers for Meru Miraa farmers. In a quick rejoinder later that same afternoon, while formally declaring Miraa a cash crop of Kenya, President Uhuru ordered the Treasury to allocate Ksh1bn toward the growth and marketing of Miraa. This did not go unnoticed by keen political observers of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region.
In his forthcoming highly symbolic visit to Meru, sources say the former Prime Minister will immediately upon arrival seek the blessings of respected Njuri Ncheke Elders at their shrine. The Njuri Ncheke form the apex of Ameru cultural elders and are extremely influential in the socio-economic and political decision making amongst the Meru.
Thereafter, the ODM Party Leader will head to the Maua Polytechnic for a one on one meeting with ODM delegates from the region during which house cleaning issies will feature peominently. Raila is also expected to privately meet some of his personal pointmen and women from the region.
The highlight of the visit will culminate in a mammoth public rally at Maili Tatu Grounds in Igembe Central. Raila will be accompanied by a a high powered opposition delegation.
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