The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced special prayers for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday, February 10, 2025.

In a statement on Sunday, February 9, 2025, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale said the prayers will be held at the Bomas of Kenya.

“The Nairobi County Party leadership has the pleasure to invite you for a Special Prayer Service to pray for the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga as he heads to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the election of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The event will be held at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday (10th February 2025) from 9:00am,” Etale stated.

Prayers in Kakamega

A Kakamega church on Sunday, February 9, 2025, conducted special prayers for Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is eying the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

The prayers were attended by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s top brass including chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Lurambi MP Titus Khamala.

After the prayers which were held at the New House of Grace Church in Lurambi, the leaders proceeded for a high-level consultative meeting at a Kakamega hotel.

“Earlier today, special prayer for ⁦Raila Odinga at a Church in Kakamega town. Thank Prophet Ken Baraza for the prayers,” ODM stated on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

AUC elections

In an announcement on Monday, January 27, 2025, AUC stated that there will be two phases to the elections. The first phase will run between February 12-13, 2025, while the second will be between February 15-16, 2025.

In the first phase, the AU Executive Council, comprising foreign ministers from member states, will elect and appoint the commissioners who will oversee various portfolios within the AU Commission.

This will set the stage for the second phase, the highly anticipated process that will see candidates vying for the top leadership position elected after the opening ceremony of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State.

“The elections of the African Union Commission will be conducted as follows: The Executive Council elects and appoints the commissioners during their session on 12-13 February 2025.

“The Assembly of Heads of State and Government elects and appoints the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson during their session on 15-16 February 2025, “AUC announced.

AUC further noted that the voting process begins with all candidates on the ballot adding that to win, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority and candidates may face elimination after three rounds of voting if they fail to secure the majority.

In addition, the commission stated that if no candidate secures the necessary majority after three rounds, only the two candidates with the highest votes will be eligible for further voting process.