Cord leader Raila Odinga says he is ready to face his opponents in the 2017 general election.
The Orange Democratic Movement leader was on Saturday crowned by Luo council of Elders as a brave warrior who would lead the community to enhance peace during the elections.
Raila will be seeking the presidency for the fourth time. He unsuccessfully vied in 1997, 2007 and 2013.
“I want to assure opposition supporters and those who want a change of guard in this country that I am more than ready for this political battle,” said Raila, as the Elders watched.
The rare ceremony was held at the sacred Got Ramogi Hills in Bondo, a few kilometres from his Oponda home in Siaya County.
The opposition chief was dressed in a cow skin, a traditional headgear and carried two headed spear and a shield as he assured his supporters of victory against Jubilee’s President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I have received blessings and tools of war that will enable me face the battle with a lot of courage. I will not disappoint you,” he said.
Raila’s Cord is yet to announce who will carry the coalition’s flag in the much anticipated polls.
Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula (Cord co-principals) are also eyeing the presidency.
Last week, Kalonzo said he would only back Raila’s fourth bid for presidency if he is sure he will win.
“I am not saying that this time he (Raila) may not win but we must look at it. If we are going to end the same way we did (2013) then he cannot be the flag bearer. If I am the flag-bearer and the possibility is that I am going to lose, again I should not be the flag bearer. So we have a lot of introspection to do and being as straight forward as that,” Kalonzo said in an interview with the Standard.