A Raila Odinga supporter holding a sign with the words “Raila ni mungu wa ukweli”. [Photo/ Gordon Opiyo]
There is a growing concern among Kenyans as to why Raila Odinga’s supporters are now worshipping him openly, while religious leaders in his Luo Nyanza backyard maintain their silence over blasphemy questions. In recent political rallies, the NASA coalition supporters have been carrying placards, saying “Raila ni mungu wa ukweli” (Raila is a true god). The NASA flag bearer is yet to denounce this. Kenyans online, who are Christians, are now questioning why religious leaders from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties are quiet even as the name of God is put on trial.
"Christian leaders from Luo Nyanza see nothing wrong with this. Then you ask why thunder keeps striking the old man," wrote veteran journalist Gordon Opiyo.“This is blasphemy. God does not share His glory,” said Kahingo Nduta. Social media user Essie Kabs agreed, saying: “This is idol worship and very demonic.”After the Supreme Court nullified the presidential election results, which had President Uhuru Kenyatta beat Raila Odinga by more than 1.4 million votes, tens of women who support Raila stripped naked openly in the streets, further raising questions on what had made the unusual things happen.Just this week, a conversation between embattled Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and an unidentified social media user leaked online, in which the MP admitted that he doesn’t believe in God, but Raila Odinga.“I don’t believe in God, I believe in baba (sic). It’s time for Tialala and Tibim,” Owino wrote. This follows the full endorsement of Kenyan atheists on the candidature of Raila Odinga. The atheists, who reject the existence of God and dismiss Christians in Kenya, decided to throw their weight behind Raila after Jubilee refused to register them in the country. Raila’s political rivals, such as Deputy President William Ruto and nominated MP Isaac Mwaura — who were once close to him — have linked the ODM boss to witchcraft, calling him a ‘mganga’.