Religious leaders on Monday presented former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with a crozier and a Bible as he prepared to depart for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson election.
During a special prayer session at Bomas of Kenya, the clergy prayed for Raila’s victory, symbolically handing him a bishop’s crozier to signify his leadership role on the continent.
Much like a shepherd’s crook, Raila’s crozier was slightly curved at the top, symbolising his anticipated position as Africa’s top leader.
Just as a bishop cares for his religious flock and a shepherd tends to his sheep, Raila is expected to guide the affairs of Africa's 1.3 billion people.
After a
brief prayer in Dholuo, Bishop Simon Okwama compared the crozier to the
biblical staff given to Moses to lead the Israelites to Canaan.
“This is the staff given to Moses, and with it, you shall lead the continent of Africa,” Bishop Okwama declared as he handed Raila the crozier.
He also presented Raila with a Bible, urging him to use it as a source of spiritual guidance in leading Africans with justice and fairness.
As candles flickered on the podium, releasing light trails of smoke, the bishop said they symbolised the Holy Spirit, which would illuminate Raila’s path.
Raila is contesting for the AUC chairmanship, with the election set for Saturday, February 15, during the ordinary session of the Heads of State meeting in Addis Ababa.
The prayer session at Bomas of Kenya was attended by clergy, top ODM officials, and other guests, including women affiliated with the party who gathered to seek divine intervention for Raila’s success before his departure.
Speaking at the event, Raila addressed ODM leaders and supporters, assuring them of his commitment regardless of the outcome.
"In
God's grace, I know I shall win. If we succeed, we shall be winners, and if we
lose, we shall still be winners," Raila told his supporters.
