Raila's supporters beaming with confidence ahead of AUC vote

Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga at prayers organized by ODM Women ahead of Africa Union Commission elections held of Saturday in Addis Ababa. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard] A wave of optimism is sweeping through Nyanza ahead of the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections scheduled for tomorrow in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Kenyans across the political divide expressed optimism that veteran politician Raila Odinga who is hoping to clinch the seat will bag the seat after months of intense lobbying. Raila's traditional support bases of Nyanza, Western, and Coast are abuzz with optimism ahead of the decisive vote. Professionals in Nyanza are buzzing with confidence that Kenya's candidate Raila Odinga could be headed for victory. In Kisumu, the streets are beaming with excitement, with residents saying that Raila would make the country and the continent proud. Joshua Nyamori, an advocate, told The Standard that the campaigns and intense lobbying that have been spearheaded by President William Ruto for Raila are likely to pay off. He said Raila has all the credentials to lead the continent through the AUC position and is the most qualified. "Raila has emerged as an internationally respected and revered leader in his local and international engagements," said Nyamori. In Migori County, residents had high expectations of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's AUC chairperson's bid. Saitoti Jabuya said he expects Raila to win the seat so that as Kenyans we may have an African leader from Kenya. "We expect victory from Raila," Mr. Jabuya said. Morphine Sawo, another resident of Migori town, said they want Raila to win the seat. "We want him to go and represent Kenyans in Africa," Ms. Sawo said. She believes there would be a slight change when Raila gets the seat. Kisumu Lawyer Joshua Odhiambo Nyamori says Raila has all the credentials to lead the continent through the AUC position and is the most qualified. February 14, 2025 [Collins Oduor, Standard] Similarly, leaders from the region led in expressing their optimism for Raila's success in a vote that could redefine his political career that is seeking to blossom beyond Kenya. "I believe this is Raila's time. He has fought for this country for so long, and now it's his chance to make an impact at the continental level," says Aduma Owuor, Member of Parliament for Nyakach Constituency in Kisumu. "We are ready to celebrate his win." Veronica Otieno, a teacher in Kisumu, shares a similar view. "This election is a huge opportunity not just for Raila but for Kenya. His leadership will bring positive change to Africa, and we are all behind him. I am hopeful we will be celebrating tomorrow." In Kisumu, which is Raila's political stronghold, expectations are particularly high. "Raila is a symbol of hope and unity for Africa," says Peter Otieno, a local vendor. "He is the leader we need for AUC-he will represent us all with dignity. We will celebrate like never before when he wins." Siaya governor James Orengo expressed optimism that Kenya's candidate for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission Raila Odinga will emerge victorious. Orengo who spoke during a prayer ceremony at the Power of Jesus Around the World Church in Kisumu organized by a section of Church Leaders from the Nyanza region to pray for Raila's victory however clarified that the AUC elections will not be the end of Odinga's political career. "Raila Amollo Odinga doesn't have only a single bullet left, he has many bullets left, and in the name of the Lord, and with the support and prayers of the people, those bullets will never be exhausted, and I believe and have the confidence that those bullets will deliver victory in the first round." the Siaya Governor said. The prayers he said were an important aspect of the AUC campaign which has now hit its homestretch. Siaya Governor James Orengo Kisumu deputy Governor Mathews Owili Siaya during a prayer ceremony for AUC candidate Raila Odinga held at Power of Jesus around the world church in Kisumu. [Michael Mute, Standard] Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Odungi Randa said that the elders were handing over Raila's bid to God officially. "We want the almighty God to unite with the Gods of Ramogi our great grandfather so that this remaining final bullet, if it's fired, it can bring victory home." Odungi said. Lurambi Member of Parliament (MP) Titus Khamala, a member of the ODM party, expressed high hopes for the process and the country's leadership. "As a representative of the people, I am committed to ensuring that their voices are heard during this critical vote. We are hopeful that the process will be transparent and that it will reflect the diverse interests of Kenyans," Khamala said. Residents in Lurambi also expressed their expectations for the vote, with many hopeful that it will lead to a more equitable and inclusive process. "Raila's leadership would be a great boost for our continent," said James Wanyonyi, a local farmer. "His vast experience will help address the challenges we face, especially in rural communities." Mary Njeri, a schoolteacher in the region, echoed these sentiments, noting, "We want a commission that listens to the common person. Raila has always fought for the underprivileged, and we trust that he will bring that same passion to the AUC." As the vote approaches, residents are calling for a peaceful process, with many emphasizing the importance of unity and progress. "It's important that this vote brings unity and progress, not division," said Samuel Mutua, a resident of Lurambi. Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, also an ODM member said Raila has vast experience in leadership and he carries the vision of pan-Africanism and his experience in politics and leadership will be of great importance for the growth of the African continent. All eyes are now on the AUC vote, with the hope that it will be conducted fairly and transparently. The former prime minister will battle it out with two other candidates including Djibouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. Report by Benard Lusigi, Mary Imenza, Anne Atieno, Sharon Owino and Clinton Ambujo

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