A landlady, who evicted Azimio Presidential candidate Raila Odinga, has now changed her mind and allowed the coalition to set up shop in one of her buildings in Nyeri County.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya was allowed to open an office in a building owned by Lucy Weru who evicted Raila in 2007.
Team Azimio opened an office in a building owned by the Karatina businesswoman who in 2007 forcibly ejected Raila and his entourage from her hotel premises.
A collage of Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga and Nyeri businesswoman Lucy Weru
Courtesy Weru was quoted by the Nation, confirming that she had received a phone call from the Azimio presidential candidate recently and they had ironed out their differences.
“I was in my living room recently when my phone rang and my nephew informed me that Raila was on the other end of the line. We engaged in a friendly conversation that lasted several minutes,” the businesswoman stated.
“I hold no grudge against Raila and I would not hesitate to have a session with him. I have no personal vendetta. I know him as a person with a big heart who loves this country and I will meet him at an opportune time,” she added.
Weru was on the front pages when she hurriedly kicked out Raila from her hotel in the run-up to the 2007 General Election in which former President Mwai Kibaki was seeking re-election and was facing a serious challenge from Raila.
“Who brought you here? We do not want ODM here. Can you please leave now? We do not want your money.
“Tell them to get out and even if he becomes president I do not want his assistance,” the businesswoman accosted Raila and his entourage – minutes after they had ordered lunch.
Weru’s daughter is married to Kibaki’s son, David Kagai. Her other daughter, Noni, is married to flashy lawyer Donald Kipkorir – also a vocal supporter of the Azimio presidential candidate.
Raila recalled the incident in 2021 and assured Nyeri residents he had forgiven Weru and that he had agreed to have a cup of tea with her.
“I will sit down and have tea with the woman who kicked me out of her hotel at her home in Karatina because I have forgiven her and we should all forgive each other and foster friendship,” the ODM leader stated during a visit to Nyeri County.
The incident which made national headlines started in the wake of the 2007 General Election, the vote-rich Mt Kenya region was a balkanized stronghold of Mwai Kibaki – and anyone who dared associate with his rival, Raila, was shunned and even stigmatised.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the launch of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party manifesto at Nyayo Stadium on June 6, 2022.
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Sabina Chege
