Martha Karua, Kalonzo celebrate Raila, colourful birthday cakes with messages to mark event

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has opted to convey his demands to the Kenya Kwanza administration in a series of messages inscribed on cakes to celebrate his 79^th birthday.

Several cakes made in ODM signature colours of blue and orange had the words “Cut food packaging tax”, “cut turnover tax”, “cut VAT on fuel” and “cut housing levy” inscribed in the layers.

At the peak of each cake was a portrait of the veteran opposition leader, with his age also boldly inscribed.

The Azimio la Umoja leader celebrated his 79th birthday with kids in Malindi on Saturday, January 7, 2024 with a series of other events lined up to celebrate his special day.

ODM rolled out an elaborate schedule with venues where countrywide cake-cutting ceremony to mark Raila Odinga's 79th birthday will take place.

Messages on Raila's colourful birthday cakes Pulse Live Kenya

A statement explaining the symbolism of cake-cutting across the country notes that it will be symbolic, to “cut the cost of living and make life bearable for Kenyans”.

"There will be cake-cutting ceremonies across the county at 3:00 pm today at designated places to celebrate PL Raila Odinga’s birthday. The cutting of the cake will be symbolic… ‘cut the cost of living and make life bearable for Kenyans," the statement read in part.

READ: Raila at 79: 2 symbolic actions in Raila's birthday celebrations countrywide

Cake-cutting venues for Raila's birthday

The party revealed that in Kisii, a cake will be cut at the Kisii CBD roundabout with the public invite to take part in the celebrations.

In Siaya, Siaya Governor's Park is the venue while in Nairobi, the Tom Mboya Statue in Nairobi CBD is where the cake will be cut.

Other venues include Maili Tatu in Maua, Meru county, Taxi Park in Busia, Mikindani Primary School in Mombasa, Hotel Conrad in Kitengela, Kajiado, Mabriver in Kwale, Narok and Kisumu CBD.

The symbolic cake-cutting was planned to go down at 3PM on Saturday, January 7, 2024 across all venues with politicians expected to grace the events.

Messages on Raila's colourful birthday cakes Pulse Live Kenya

Birthday messages

Kenyans from all walks of life took to social media to wish the veteran opposition leader a happy birthday.

"Happy Birthday Jakom. There are relatively few people like you who have dedicated their entire lives to the betterment of the country. I honour you. God bless you with abundant energy as well as a happy, healthy, and prosperous life," Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka stated.

On her part, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua wished the ODM party leader a happy birthday and a long life to serve writing:

"Happy Birthday kinara Wangu Raila Odinga May you have many happy returns to serve."

Wiper Democratic Movement in its message hailed Raila as the “courageous leader of our times.”

“Thank you very much for your service to Kenya. God bless you mightily,” the party said.

“May you live longer to blow many more candles. Thanking God for the opportunity He has given you to serve humankind,” Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o stated.

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“Your unwavering support and encouragement have nurtured within me a profound desire to make a positive difference in the world. It's evident that you genuinely strive for the betterment of our nation and I wholeheartedly believe that God has a significant plan for you beyond what many may see. May He bless you abundantly, today and always. Happy, happy birthday,” Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris shared.