Lawyers' lobby to campaign for Raila

A group of lawyers have set up a lobby group to campaign for Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in the next General Election.

The ‘Attorneys for Raila’ will champion Mr Odinga’s reform credentials and present him as the ideal candidate to succeed President Kibaki.

"Our future prosperity as a nation heavily hinges on a bold and visionary leader whose political resume includes unquestionable reform credentials,” said David Mutunga, the group’s chair in a statement.

Although the group primarily draws its membership from the legal fraternity, other professionals are free to join.

“We honestly believe that Mr Odinga fits the bill. As young lawyers and other like-minded professionals, we want to tirelessly work round the clock and reach the masses with his reform message.

“This election will be won on the platform of reforms and the electorate will demand that the presidential contenders demonstrate their willingness to do away with the status quo and drive the reform agenda" said Mr Mutunga.

The official said the group, which is expected to be officially unveiled next month, will pull all the stops to ensure that their candidate is elected president.

“Through various forums like county hall meetings, the 'Attorneys for Raila' intends to make it clear that the PM is the only presidential candidate who can be trusted to fully implement the Constitution for the benefit of all, ” said Jimmy Nyikuli, the lobby’s director of operations.

The group, according to the statement, has already held consultative meetings with the PM and his top strategists with a view to drawing up a synergised campaign strategy.

According to Mr Mutunga, the group has for the last few months been mapping all the 47 counties and networking with lawyers and other professionals within the country and the Diaspora.

“This is the lobby of a kind and we are setting up Diaspora liaison offices because we want everyone involved and soon we will be knocking every Kenyan heart to persuade them to vote for our presidential candidate based on factual reform credentials of the candidate,” said Jeff Nyamboga, a member of the team.