Raila’s acceptance speech upon being named NASA flag bearer

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, was on Thursday, April 27, unveiled as the National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate ahead of August 8 General Election.

In an event held at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park on Thursday, April 27, the Opposition outfit named Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, as Odinga’s running mate in the presidential race.

The Amani National Congress (ANC) leader, Musalia Mudavadi, who unveiled the NASA structure, will be the Premier Cabinet Secretary in charge of the state department of internal security and administration of the national government.

Ford Kenya Party leader and Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula, will be the Deputy Premier in charge of the public sector, while Chama Cha Mashinani Party leader and Bomet Governor, Isaac Ruto, will be the Deputy Premier in charge of the Devolution Sector.

Odinga, in his speech, said he will work closely with the other four NASA principals to ensure they send Jubilee administration packing on August 8 polls.

Below is Odinga’s full speech, which he gave at the Uhuru Park, after he was named NASA captain. The speech was transcribed, and translated from Kiswahili to English:

“History shall repeat itself. In October 2002, we were here at Uhuru Park with Kalonzo Musyoka, Moody Awori, the late George Saitoti, Kipruto arap Kirwa, Charity Ngilu and Raila Amolo Odinga. It is at Uhuru Park where I posed to Kenyans: Kibaki anatosha? And we said, yes!”

“Today (April 27, 2017), Kalonzo, Mudavadi, Ruto, Wetangula have said Raila tosha! Out of respect the four of them chose me to be NASA flag bearer ahead of August 8 polls,” said Odinga.

“We held meetings to settle on a flag bearer. We agreed on everything and signed the agreements on paper. We, as NASA government, will wipe out all the dirt brought in by the Jubilee administration. I will lead the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan.”

“I will work alongside my brothers (Wetangula, Mudavadi, Kalonzo and Ruto). This team, the Pentagon, handed the captain’s armband to me. We shall walk together. We want to change Kenya. We want to fight against corruption, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment among the youth, empower the women, bring down the price of basic commodities such as flour and milk, we want to bring affordable healthcare services and we want to ensure every labourer in this country is well remunerated.”

“I am the captain of NASA. We will battle it out with Uhuru’s Jubilee. On August 8, the match shall start on August 8 (commentates a mock football match between Jubilee and NASA). We will score against Jubilee. We sure will win,” said Odinga.