Raila addressing a rally in Baringo on Wednesday. facebook.com/ Raila OdingaNASA leader Raila Odinga has assured Baringo residents his government will promote development in the county despite having received a cruel welcome there on Wednesday.
Raila’s rally in Kabarnet, Baringo County was disrupted after rowdy youth burnt opposition posters and fliers when the former prime minister toured the devolved unit to market his presidential candidature.
The violence was triggered off by reports that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto’s rally had prematurely ended in Kisumu shortly after the two officiated at the launch of construction works for a new brewery in the lakeside city.
Youth singing pro-NASA slogans had shouted down DP Ruto who was campaigning for Jubilee candidate for Kisumu East MP seat Joy Gwendo.
“We took our message of change to Baringo County where we addressed issues of insecurity, hunger and lack of opportunity for the youth,” Raila posted on his official Facebook page after the Rift Valley tour.
“As NASA we are committed to setting up a government that serves and secures all equally and leaves no region behind. Increasing devolved funds to 45 per cent of our national revenue is key to uplifting the people and the economy of Baringo.”
Raila was in company of Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto when their rally was interrupted by youth donning Jubilee T-shirts.
Some protesters were overheard saying Raila would be barred from campaigning in Rift Valley and other regions where Jubilee enjoys support as long as Uhuru and Ruto and not accorded respect in NASA allied regions.
Raila did not comment on the violence that emanated from the county represented at the Senate by Gideon Moi, the man who is keen to challenge the DPs grip in Rift Valley politics.