Raila Odinga, presidential candidate of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party, has backed calls for multinationals operating in Kenya to withdraw tea plucking machines.
Mr Odinga and his running mate, Martha Karua, also stated that their government would not harass the opposition in Bomet and Kericho counties.
Leaders who spoke at the meetings urged Mr Odinga to resettle families who had been evicted from Mau Forest if he won the presidency next month.
Mr Odinga supported Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli’s call to ban the use of the machines in tea plantations.
“I have been against the use of these gadgets as they contribute to unemployment. It is a matter that must be reviewed,” Mr Odinga said at Ndanai Catholic Church in Sotik Constituency, Bomet county, yesterday.
He went on to say that technology should not harm families or the economy.
“It is important for a government to protect workers,” he said.
According to Mr. Atwoli, over 200,000 jobs have been lost to machines, particularly in the South Rift.
“The problem with local lawmakers is that they are compromised by multinationals as soon as they are elected. They never speak on issues affecting workers,” Mr Atwoli said in Kericho.
“I have repeatedly stated that the economies of Bomet, Kericho and Nandi Hills towns will collapse if these machines are deployed to plantations by the multinationals. Companies are laying off employees, reducing families’ purchasing power.”
He added that some countries have outlawed the machines, “yet Kenya has fully embraced them to the detriment of employees and the business community”.
Unilever, James Finlays, Sotik Tea, and George Williamson are among the multinationals and local businesses that have introduced tea plucking machines.
Mr Odinga and Ms Karua urged their opponents not to be alarmed if they find themselves in opposition.
“In the spirit of democracy, we will not harass them. Kenyans will make their decision on the ballot and we are confident of winning the election. The opposition will play its role in the country’s politics,” he said.
Mr Odinga stated that his administration will repair the economy and create job opportunities while addressing the country’s high cost of basic goods and foodstuffs.
Ms Karua urged women to support Mr Odinga for President, saying he had shown steadfast leadership and fought to establish democracy in the country.
“With proper management of the money collected through taxation, it is possible for the government to provide healthcare and education for free,” said Ms Karua.
She said it was unfortunate that politicians only sought to address the problems affecting the people during the electioneering period.
“Tribalism and nepotism are issues that unfortunately crop up only during the general election in the country,” said Ms Karua.
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