Raila calls for end to early campaigns

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on politicians to stop early campaigns and instead give time for development to go on in the country.

Raila said too much politicking is hurting the country's development agenda, adding that the time for politics will come.

He further told off those calling for the removal of President William Ruto from office, saying there are more challenges Kenyans are facing that need rugent action now.

"Unasema Ruto aende, aende halfu nini ifanyike? Hakuna haja, 2027 itafika, lakini wakenya wako na shida mpaka shida zitatuliwe sasa, sio siku engine. Hatuwezi piga siasa miaka mitano mfululizo, nchi haiwezi kuendelea mbele," Raila said.

(You are saying Ruto must go, after going then what happens? There is no need, 2027 will come but for now Kenyans how more pressing challenges.We can't engage in politics for five consecutive years).

"If you put the county in campaign mode no work will go on, we should have time for work and campaigns to follow later. Kenyans need to live between now and 2027, the cost of living is high, prices of commodities are high, taxes are high, corruption is high, that is why we came up with the 10-point agenda and that is not betrayal."

Raila was speaking in Machakos during the burial of Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi, who tragically lost his life in a grisly road accident a week ago.

Gitahi passed away on March 7 in a fatal crash at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway after his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming lorry, bursting into flames.

The retired military pilot, who was alone in his saloon car, died on the spot after his body was severely burned.

Gitahi was the husband of ODM-nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet.