NASA principals at a past event. [PHOTO/zipo.co.ke]
NASA co-principal Raila Odinga has said that the people of Central Kenya and Rift Valley still support him, dismissing the allegation that the two regions fear electing NASA because of him.
Speaking to the Standard in an exclusive interview, Raila said that he addressed the concerns of Rift Valley while he served as Prime Minister and that this endeared him to the people.
"My own assessment is that they (people of Rift Valley) did better under my leadership as Prime Minister. I addressed the concerns of the people there especially with regard to livelihoods. I paid very keen attention to agriculture and protected the interests of tea, wheat, maize and dairy farmers," he said.
He added that he still appreciates the heavy support they accorded him in the 2013 polls despite what he termed as 'heavy propaganda' and 'rigging that took place there' and said he remains optimistic 'many will do it again in 2017 if I am the candidate'.
When he spoke of Central Kenya, the former Prime Minister had kind words for the region and said the argument that Mount Kenya fears him is an idea carried out by the government through the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
"As for Central Kenya, it ought to be known that out of the four principals in NASA seeking to be flag bearer, Hon Musyoka, Hon Mudavadi and myself have been presidential candidates before. Kenyans know how each of us has fared in Central Kenya. The idea that voters in Central Kenya would vote for my rivals and not for me is a lie peddled by NIS," he said.
He added: "The records are there on how central voted for Hon Musyoka in 2007 and how they voted for Hon Mudavadi in 2013. I have received more votes from Central Kenya in previous elections than any other candidate from outside the region."