BBI will free our women from poverty, Raila says
ODM leader Raila Odinga addressing journalists after inspecting construction works at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on October 8, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga said that BBI is the organ that will protect women from power-hungry politicians.
The ODM leader also criticised Deputy President’s “Hustler Nation” slogan, saying the latter is opposed to reforms.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Thursday said the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) will liberate women from discrimination and poverty.
He added that BBI is the organ that will protect women from power-hungry politicians.
Mr Odinga was speaking in Kitengela where he graced the ODM Women League meeting.
He pleaded with women to support the BBI report, adding that it would promote cohesion.
He said Kenya has witnessed bloodshed occasioned by political violence in the past and adopting BBI will solve the menace “orchestrated by selfish individuals who thrive on division”.
“BBI will stop post-election violence and ensure two thirds gender representation in the Senate and National Assembly. It will also ensure more resources are taken to counties,” Mr Odinga said.
He added that women have endured problems because many government policies do not favour them.
Hustler Nation
The ODM leader also criticised Deputy President’s “Hustler Nation” slogan, saying the latter is opposed to reforms.
“We know who fought for the second liberation of Kenya. We are also aware of individuals who were in the Youth For Kanu 92,” he said.
“These are the same people hoodwinking our youth with wheelbarrows and other freebies.”
He said BBI would tame corruption and theft of public resources. Mr Odinga told religious organisations to stop being conduits of corruption.
“Religious institutions should stop sanitising dirty money. Proceeds of corruption are being dished to churches every Sunday,” he said.
Nominated Senator Judith Pareno asked women to be ready to drum up support for the BBI report.
During the meeting, Mr Odinga launched the “He For She Campaign”, a drive in which ODM Women League members will reach out to men to support more women during elections.
Development projects
People will earn points for money contributed to the league kitty. The minimum monthly contribution is Sh100. ODM also received defectors from other parties.
At the meeting were chairpersons of the 47 ODM county women leagues.
Former Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye was at the meeting.
Meanwhile, Mr Odinga made an impromptu stop in Kisumu on Thursday evening. He asked young people in Nyanza to be patient with development projects and not fall for quick fixes to their problems.
Mr Odinga told them not to accept Deputy President William Ruto’s “current antics in which he has been donating wheelbarrows, car washing machines and motorcycles”.
The DP has launched the “Hustler” movement in Mr Odinga’s backyard, promising to improve the living standards of young people.
The ODM leader’s short visit came just days after the pro - Ruto team, led by politician Eliud Owalo, launched the “Hustler” Movement in Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori counties.
It also came at a day before the DP’s meetings in Nyamira were thwarted by police.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dr Ruto hosted a delegation from Migori and Homa Bay. Mr Odinga said the groundwork he is laying for development is longterm and would benefit every Kenyan.
“Wheelbarrownomics is not the answer to our problems,” Mr Odinga said.
“I ask our youth to hold their horses. We are going to bring real change that works for them.”
