Prime Minister Raila Odinga is welcomed at the Busia Municipal stadium Busia during the ODM Reloaded campaign.Photo | Frankline Bwire.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga took his ODM "Reloaded campaigns" to Busia County urging area residents to elect leaders wisely as the country heads towards the General Election.

Raila said the country needs leaders who will bring change and address challenges facing Kenyans, adding that as ODM party they have proper policies in place to improve lives of Kenyans if they will be elected to form the next government.

“We should take advantage of the coming general election to reject non reformists if at all we want change. Let us elect leaders who will ensure the new constitution is fully implemented as was passed by Kenyans to enjoy its fruits,” said the PM.

Addressing Busia residents at the Busia Municipal stadium in Busia town, Raila expressed confidence that the party was growing stronger despite exit of some of its members.

The Premier dismissed Musalia Mudavadi’s call that he should start preparing for retirement, saying it was the responsibility of Kenyans to decide through the ballot box in the next General Election.

“The retirement of politicians is a decision made by electorates themselves through the ballot box where it will determine who goes home,” he said, adding that all those vying for the top seat should be ready for the battle without fear.

The premier was accompanied by Lands minister James Orengo, Otieno Kajwang (Immigration), Paul Otuoma ( Sports and Youth Affairs), Fred Gumo ( Regional Minister) and Dalmas Otieno, Franklin Bett(Roads) and ODM legislators among them Ababu Namwamba.

 At Bumala and Matayos markets in Busia County on his way to address an ODM rally in Busia town, in response to the recent calls by the immediate former ODM deputy  party leader  Musalia Mudavadi  that he should  retire from politics with President Kibaki , Mr. Odinga  made it clear that he would  only retire from  politics  if   the Kenyan  voters reject him  at the  polls.

He said, “Anyone who has plunged in   the Presidential race should be ready for a bruising battle. There will be no easy rides to State House.”

The PM went on to say that  he has been in the struggle for reforms  in the country and had credentials  to  lead this country , adding  many of his competitors had nothing  to show for  themselves as  their contribution  to the betterment of  the country.

“It is in this regard,” he added, “that the Kenyans should elect reform minded people who can bring the desired changes in the country not non reformists.”

He reiterated that it was only the reform minded leaders who could implement the new constitution adding those who opposed it and the watermelons cannot be entrusted to implement something they did not believe in.

Mr. Odinga who is the ODM party leader said contrary to perceptions that the party’s popularity was waning, it was growing from strength to strength.

He said all those who had left the party had been effectively replaced and the party was marching steadily to a resounding win when elections are called.

“Their departure was good riddance and now the party is reloaded with presence in all corners of the country,” he added.

Members of the UDFP from Vihiga County after the DPM Musalia Mudavadi officially opened its headquaters.

Elsewhere, the United Democratic Forum Party (U.D.F.P) Vihiga County office was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi at the County headquarters in Mbale.

The DPM urged the locals to remain calm and not to be used by politicians to cause chaos.          

He called on his fellow presidential aspirants to stop practicing ethicized politics and added that such political activities disrupt peace in the country.    

The Sabatia MP dismissed allegations that UDF party was a young party and indicated that this same party is doing better in politics than the old guards.