Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja political party, made a comeback to Central Kenya on April 20, 2023, where he addressed a political gathering for the first time since the August 9, 2022, polls. The meeting was held in Murang’a and was attended by opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria.
Despite a warning by the police that the gathering should not take place due to the late submission of the notice, the hall was packed and the meeting went on without any incident.
During his speech, Odinga accused President Ruto’s government of failing to fulfill its pre-election promises to Kenyans, including the reduction of the cost of basic commodities like maize flour. He also mentioned the need for electoral justice, reform, and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The meeting was part of Azimio’s ongoing engagement with the public on the challenges facing the country.
Odinga's public engagement comes a few days after he announced that he would resume anti-government protests after Ramadhan. He has also demanded that talks towards ending the political differences with President Ruto be held outside Parliament. Odinga had previously gathered less than 30% of votes cast in Central during the August polls and has insisted that he was rigged out.
The police had warned against the meeting, citing a late submission of the notice for the gathering, which they claimed did not give them adequate time for proper planning.
However, the gathering proceeded peacefully, with the hall filled to capacity. The presence of other opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, George Wajackoyah, Jeremiah Kioni, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Eugene Wamalwa was a sign of support for Odinga's stance on the government's performance and the need for electoral reform.
Odinga's return to Central Kenya indicates his determination to engage with the region's voters and seek their support in future elections. His message focused on the need for better governance and fulfilling the government's promises, which he claims have not been met.
The meeting also provided a platform for other opposition leaders to express their support for Odinga's agenda and push for electoral reforms.