Kutoka Garre hadi Modogashe! Kenya has made great strides over the years, Raila says

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at a past Iftar dinner/FILE

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has exuded confidence that Kenya is on the right path as it moves into the future.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner that he hosted in Upper Hill, Nairobi, Raila explained that Kenya is not in the same position it was some years ago.

He was, however, quick to point out that there was still much that needed to be done.

“Let us remain united. We know the steps that we have taken, and we know where we are going. We all know where the country is supposed to be,” he stated.

“We are not where we wish to be, but the country must move forward. I am sure we will get where we want to be.”

Raila further explained that the country's democracy is still growing, slowly but steadily.

“Kenya has made strides, but democracy is not like instant coffee. It is a process; two steps forward and one step backward, we are still advancing,” he stated.

He added that a lot must be done to improve how elections are conducted in the country.

“We are not yet there. We do not conduct a free and fair election, but we will get there,” he said.

Raila called on Kenyans to make sacrifices in the quest for a better country.

“We must all sacrifice. We will get where we want to be. We are sure we will get there, but we do not want selfishness. Kenya must move forward together as one,” he added.

Raila added that all Kenyans must be allowed to get national Identity Cards.

“I heard people saying President Ruto was wrong to say all Kenyans should be given IDs. All Kenyans should get IDs without any discrimination,” he stated.

He recalled that communities in Kibera in Nairobi had suffered for many years because of being denied IDs.

President William Ruto has since declared that all Kenyans be issued with national identity (ID) cards at no cost.

The president, who spoke while on a tour in Nairobi’s Kibra slums last week, said he would also abolish bureaucracy and bias surrounding the issuance of IDs.