Raila Odinga, the Azimio flagbear, and his opponent, UDA leader DP Ruto, have stepped up their campaigns for votes ahead of the August election. While Raila’s Azimio wave has swept across the country, Ruto has been holding meetings and organizing rallies to popularize his Bottom-Up Economic Model. Raila’s popularity is said to have sent shivers through Ruto’s camp, prompting many of his allies to launch attacks on the Azimio camp.
However, the Kenya Kwanza team has had a difficult time popularizing the goals for Kenyans, particularly in Azimio strongholds where residents have shown resistance. Some of Ruto’s allies have had trouble with voters as a result of insults or utterances that appear to be divisive politics. Rigathi Gachagua is one of the leaders who has always been warned about his comments. Linturi and Duale have also fallen victim to this problem, which has resulted in them being heckled during rallies even in their own neighborhoods. Crowds have become not only smaller, but also disinterested and bored with listening to them.
The governor of Nyandarua, Francis Kimemia, expressed delight after Kenya Kwanza rallies were cancelled in his district. The rallies scheduled for Ol Kalou town were canceled due to heavy rain. He rejoiced after UDA allies in his region failed to sell their agenda. He thanked God and stated that the Kenya Kwanza team’s hypocrisy had come to an end as a result of the rains. He stated that all they intended to do was insult the Azimio leaders and his team.
His remarks came just moments after he was cleared to run for governor. They then proceeded to Njabini, Kariamu, Engineer, and Miharati, where they were able to campaign peacefully and without distractions. Kimemia and his running mate Isaac Mwaura were the last gubernatorial candidates approved by the electoral commission. Ruto has had difficulty selling his agenda, particularly in Azimio strongholds. Many Kenyans have been incensed by Azimio’s insults to politicians in particular.
