Leaders from Kisumu county have asked the Luo community to focus on prayers for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as he eyes the African Union Commission chairmanship instead of celebrating prematurely.
Raila's candidature for the coveted continental post has sparked excitement among his supporters across the country ahead of the elections scheduled for February, 2025.
But Kisumu Deputy Governor, Mathew Owili, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Kisumu Women Representative, Ruth Odinga and Nyakach parliamentary hopeful Okoth Opande, said what Raila needs now is prayers from his people.
The leaders criticised individuals spreading the notion that Raila's victory is already secured.
They noted that the issue or mentality of "gini wasekao" loosely translated as 'we have already won this thing' should be discarded.
Ruth noted that its essential for Raila’s supporters to remain calm and spiritually supportive as he prepares for the crucial vote.
"What Raila needs now is prayers for his victory because we are not part of the voters, not celebrations," she said
Owili also noted that there is alot of excitement and they would want to urge caution and sobriety.
The leaders were speaking in Kisumu when they joined the county ODM party officials in congratulating Governor Anyang Nyong'o for his elevation as acting ODM party leader.
Owili said that they have heard a section of ODM leadership and members thinking of a farewell party for Raila, but Raila is not going anywhere yet, because he is still with them until February, 2025.
"We just want to state from Kisumu that it's not yet time for a farewell. Raila is still here with us and if there is supposed to be any farewell, then it should be after February," Owili said.
Oron on the other hand echoed the leaders' sentiments urging the people across the country to continue praying for Raila so that he can win the AUC seat.
He added that the "gini wasekao" attitude needs to stop.
"We are praying for Raila and we cannot start celebrating on something that we don't have yet," Oron said.
The MP noted that everything, including celebrations, can be done after February, but for now, it was premature.
Opande on the other hand said that plans to organise a farewell party is not something that should be discussed now and will divide their focus.
He said Raila is in competition with other African leaders and actions of his people in Kenya should be carefully crafted not to undermine him.
"The farewell thing should not be allowed to take place. Raila is ever with us, whether in Addis Ababa of anywhere," Opande said.
During the media briefing, the county ODM coordinating committee assured both Raila and Nyong’o that they will continue to implement their political policies and strategies in this region.
