Raila turns to God before facing IEBC
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, June 5, 2022Presidential hopeful Raila Odinga on Sunday, June 5, 2022, joined faithfuls at All Saints Cathedral Church in Nairobi for prayers ahead of his date with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition party candidate was accompanied by his running mate Martha Karua and a host of other like-minded politicians including Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his Kitui counterpart Charity Ngilu.
Others in the former premier’s entourage included Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, who is eyeing the county’s governor seat, former Gatanga MP Peter Keneth and Raila’s spokesperson Makau Mutua.
In a televised service, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit committed the Azimio duo before the Lord and wished them luck in their bid.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader is expected to present his nomination papers to the electoral body for vetting at Bomas at around 10:00 am.
Thereafter, he will head to Nakuru County where he is expected to address several roadside rallies before holding a major campaign at Mazembe Grounds.
Raila’s arch-rival cleared
Several leaders seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta have appeared before the electoral body since the exercise kicked off in earnest a week ago. Some have received the green light to vie and others turned down.
Some of the big shots who have been cleared to run include Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition leader received his clearance certificate on Saturday, June 4, 2022. He was cleared after fulfilling all the requirements set out by the constitution and the electoral body.
Ruto and Raila are touted as front runners in the highly-charged race with the latter having the blessings of President Uhuru who has been accused of managing his own succession.