I have new ways to win presidency, says Raila

Cord leader Raila Odinga has likened his failure to become president in 2013 and 2007 to a woman who had miscarried twice but has now found ways to win State House in the 2017 elections.

“This time around we will carry the pregnancy to term,” he said during prayers at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.

He is preparing for his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s anniversary. Jaramogi was Kenya’s first vice president and died in 1994.

The announcement by Mr Odinga is likely to send jitters to Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya, who have also announced their interests in the Cord ticket for State House.

Mr Musyoka has hit the ground running, assuring his supporters that he will win the coalition ticket. Mr Wetang’ula has made similar remarks.

During the prayers in Bondo Mr Odinga said: “I can see light at the end of the tunnel. When I went to the Coast and even at Machakos, they assured me of unwavering support.”

The prayers were conducted by clergy men from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Nairobi.

During the event, the Opposition chief was presented with the Kenyan flag, a fly whisk and a Bible to symbolize his readiness for the top seat.

“I am now ready to face Goliath and confident that with God, we will reach our goal,” Mr Odinga said.

On Monday at the Wiper Party offices in Nairobi, Mr Musyoka met the party’s grassroots co-ordinators from all counties.

“I will be coming to your places very soon as I roll out my presidential plan. You play a vital role as our ambassadors at the grassroots,” he said.

The memorial service will culminate at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University in Bondo on Friday. It will also be used to discuss Luo unity.

“The gathering of elders on Saturday will discuss where we have come from, where we are and where we are going,” said Mr Odinga.

THE TIME IS NOW

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga died on January 21, 1994 at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu at the age of 83. Fidel died on January 4, 2015.

The prayers were attended by ODM politicians including governors Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) and Evans Kidero of Nairobi.

Others were Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, ODM Chairman John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi (director of political affairs) and Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda.

The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Washington Ogonyo, who chairs the Nyanza council of church leaders.

“There is a saying that says it is the last turn of the key that opened the door. The time has come to turn the key and open the door,” said Bishop Mwai Abiero of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

The prayer service was preceded by laying of wreaths at the grave of the late Jaramongi and his grandson Fidel at the Kang’o Kajaramogi home as well as a football match between Gor Mahia and Bondo United FC.

Fidel was found dead in his house in Karen, Nairobi.