By Osinde Obare and Edwin Cheserek

Prime Minister Raila Odinga's visit of West Pokot County got a major boost when Pokot Council of Elders and political leaders endorsed his presidential bid ahead of the General Election next year. During a separate meeting with the PM, the elders and the political leaders lauded Raila for advocating for the interests of Kenyans irrespective of their tribal backgrounds. Assuring Raila of their support, the elders and local politicians said nothing would stop the community from rallying behind the PM.

"We are behind you and will continue to stick with you because you are not a tribalist," said council of elders chairman Jacob Lorem, who is also a former Kapenguria MP. Led by Assistant Minister Julius Murgor, Sigor MP Wilson Litole and over 40 civic leaders promised that the Pokot vote would go to Raila's basket. "Bwana PM you are a true friend of Pokot and Kenyans at large.

Count Pokot vote because nothing would stop us from supporting you," said Litole. The elders and leaders at the same time urged the PM to act on the stalled cement factory he commissioned in 2009. The leaders also asked the PM to help set up a commission that would handle the contentious boundary row pitting the community against their neigbouring Turkana.

Raila also said ODM had a big and strong team that can replace rebel MPs, saying that the party will win next year's elections. He asked party supporters to remain intact in the party and ignore calls by rebel groups to decamp.