Hiiraan Onliine
Zahra Rashid
Monday, December 24, 2012
Muslim preachers on Sunday declared their support for the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a day after he was endorsed as the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) presidential candidate.
Sheikh Mohammed Osman Warfa who headed the muslim delegation to the meeting with prime minister stated that the Muslims wanted issues on insecurity, employment and equitable distribution of resources and to fully implement the endorsed constitution addressed by the presidential aspirant.
He stated the the cleric would go to the grassroots level to undertake campaign on his behalf to sell his bid and that he should not have daubts in their support.
"We shall go house to house asking our muslim brethen to be in full support for you presidency," Said Sheikh Warfa.
Sheikh Warfa noted that the premier had been steadfast in the fight for equity and justice, a reason for his endorsement by the muslim community.
“You have been at the forefront in fighting for equity and justice for the marginalized area in the country greatly inhibited by muslims”, Sheikh Warfa said.
Mr Odinga, however promised the Muslims that his government would ensure equitable distribution of resources and fight insecurity, the major problems in the larger Mandera, Garrisa, Tana River, Mombasa, area highly populated by the Muslim community.
“I promise to expand the infrastructure in northern Kenya to open up the region for trade and other development opportunities, among the other issues listed.
Mr Odinga lash out at his rivals in the Jubilee alliance, saying they cannot be trusted in the implementation of the new laws in place.
“They did not want the new Constitution and cannot be trusted to implement it,” he stated.
Cabinet ministers Mohamed Elmi, Transport Assistant minister Hassan Joho and deputy Speaker Farah Maalim were among Muslim leaders present at the meeting that took place at Mr Odinga’s Karen home in Nairobi, yesterday.
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Nairobi, Kenya