[Opposition coalition NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga during a crowning ceremony by Nandi elders on Sunday at Kapsabet. Courtesy: The Star]
Opposition coalition NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga's candidature was handed a major boost on Sunday after he was endorsed for the country's top seat by Nandi elders.
The Nandi sub-clan is part of the larger Kalenjin Community, the bedrock of Deputy President William Ruto.The elders further handed the former Prime Minister the community's instruments of leadership which included the cloak “Sambut” and a peace rod “shariit” as a sign of blessing him.Led by Christopher Koiyoki and Christopher Meli, the elders vowed to drum up support for Mr Odinga during the forthcoming general elections.The crowning ceremony of the Opposition chief was, however, momentarily disrupted following a heavy downpour in Kapsabet.“We have waited for this day for a long time…Some people did not want us to give you our blessings, but we have finally succeeded,” Koyoki observed.
The group of elders was last year barred by security officials from accessing President Uhuru Kenyatta when they attempted to crown the Head of State as a Nandi elder.