Women affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are holding special prayers for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections.
Raila is vying for the AUC chairmanship, with the election scheduled for February 15 during the ordinary session of the Heads of State meeting in Addis Ababa.
The prayer session will take place on Monday at the Bomas of Kenya and will be attended by clergy, top ODM officials, and guests before Raila departs for Addis Ababa.
Raila himself will also be present.
The event
has been organized by ODM Women, a group of female politicians who support the
Orange party and Raila’s ambitions.
“The ODM Women League invites all to a special ‘Women Praying for Baba’ event on Monday at the Bomas of Kenya. As Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga prepares for the AU Chairmanship elections, we stand in faith, believing in his vision for Africa’s unity and progress,” reads part of the invitation.
On Monday,
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris stated that the purpose of the
prayer session is to dedicate Raila to God ahead of the AUC elections.
“Today, the ODM Women will come together in prayer for Rt. Hon. Raila A. Odinga—seeking strength, wisdom, and victory for him,” Passaris wrote on her X account.
“Baba has always been a champion for women's empowerment and equality, as well as a symbol of resilience and justice for Kenya. We love you, Baba.”
A section of Kenya Kwanza politicians is also expected to attend, with ODM women leaders emphasizing that the event is open to all, not just ODM members.
Raila concluded his continental campaign last week and is in retreat ahead of his departure to Addis Ababa for the elections on Saturday.
He is seen as the frontrunner in the race but faces stiff competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
Last week,
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki expressed confidence that Raila would win the
election, adding that President William Ruto is Raila’s biggest campaigner.
“After the elections, Ruto and Raila agreed that Kenya should have a candidate in the AUC elections. And because they have been friends for a long time, dating back to Ruto’s days in ODM, they agreed that Kenya’s candidate should be Raila,” Kindiki said.
“The first
voter for Raila will be William Ruto. The chief agent and mobilizer will be
William Ruto.”
