Raila Defends NASA's Drive to Raise Campaign Funds From Kenyans

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has come out to defend the coalition’s call for donations from Kenyans to finance its presidential campaigns ahead of the repeat election scheduled for October 17th.

Hours after NASA launched the initiative, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party dismissed the initiative, saying it is a plot to fleece Kenyans of their hard-earned cash.

However, the former Prime Minister defended the drive, saying it is a normal practice globally, even in developed democracies.

On Friday, NASA unveiled an M-Pesa pay bill number and bank account through which the supporters can make contributions.

“All over the democratic world, elections are financed and run by donors and volunteers.

"In fact, in many countries where big business and the corporate world are in bed with the repressive State, volunteers and small donors are the ones who make the big difference,” Raila said during a press conference in Nairobi.

The Orange Democratic Movement leader described initiative is people-driven and accused Jubilee of using public coffers to finance its campaigns.

“Jubilee is using our taxes to finance its elections and steal our votes. “It is using our taxes to punish and beat us into surrender,” Odinga claimed.

“The fund we are launching today is another step on the long road to reclaim our country from fraudsters, election thieves and election authoritarianism.

“We want every Kenyan to be part of this historic journey because it offers each one of us a chance to ensure fidelity to the Constitution and restoration of our country’s glory that has been eroded by bad governance, corruption and tribalism,” He added.

In a press briefing, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale said he was shocked by Nasa’s appeal for funds.

“Kenyans must ignore these fraudsters masquerading as liberators. We are asking Kenyans to be very careful because this is similar to gambling.

"We expect them to go back to the people and prepare for the repeat poll. They should stop the shenanigans, press conferences and fundraising,” Duale said.

“Corrupt cartels funding them must have realised that they cannot win an election,”