By Kevin Sang, Vihiga and Eldoret
Kenyans from all walks of life are upbeat that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be elected as the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairman whose elections is tomorrow in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mr Odinga, is touted as a front-runner in the race and will be competing against Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
Fred Omido, the former Makadara MP and chairman of the Vihiga Council of Elders, organized interdenominational prayers on Friday at his home in Hamisi constituency. The prayers were focused on seeking divine intervention to help propel Odinga to victory in the highly contested election.
Mzee Omido, a lifelong member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila Odinga’s party, spoke passionately about his candidate’s qualities.
“Raila has good plans for Africa. All his life he has fought for Kenya and Africa,” Omido said. “He wants Africa’s resources to benefit the youth, women, the elderly, and people living with disabilities. Raila is the right person to champion the unity of Africa. We pray that God touches his opponents so that they may shift their stand and vote for him.”
Mzee Zebedee Osabwa, ODM chairman in Vihiga County, echoed Omido’s sentiments, saying Odinga’s victory would usher in significant change for Africa. “Raila is the only person among the three contestants who truly understands Africa’s challenges and history,” he remarked.
Pastor Joyce Litu, Sheikh Ali Ambenje, and Reverend Asava also joined in expressing their confidence that under Odinga’s leadership, Africa’s resources would be in capable hands.
Meanwhile, residents of Langas in Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, gathered for a special prayer session to support Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship. During the prayer meeting, participants expressed their belief that Odinga’s leadership would unite Africa and bring peace to the continent. Despite his previous unsuccessful attempts at the Kenyan presidency, they view him as a seasoned leader with a vision for regional stability and development.
“Raila was born to win, and his victory will be a victory for all Kenyans and Africans,” one resident remarked, underscoring their unwavering support for his candidacy.
The residents also emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, they would continue to appreciate Odinga’s contributions to Kenya and Africa.
His role as a former African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development and his dedication to democracy and good governance have earned him recognition across the continent.
Odinga’s candidacy has garnered national and regional interest, with many leaders and citizens weighing in on his potential to bring about change in Africa.
The election is set to fill the position left by outgoing AUC chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, who is stepping down after serving two terms.
