A few metres away from Kondele at the Coptic Church, Father John Pesa 1 was leading a prayer meeting with his church members to seek God's intervention for Raila who was facing yet another historic contest of his life.
Pesa told journalists he was optimistic that Odinga would emerge victorious but urged residents to remain peaceful irrespective of the outcome.
His sentiments were echoed by Abraham Owino, a Kisumu ODM youth leader from Railways ward who was also at Kondele to follow the AUC elections.
"We have been supporting Raila since he started politics, whether he wins or not we are still behind him," he said.
For some, Raila's loss at the AUC presents him with another chance to redeem his standings in local politics.
They claimed he should now decide whether to back Ruto's administration to achieve its goals or retreat to keep him in check.
"The loss is not a big loss for the country. We still need him here in Kenya to either help Ruto or challenge his administration,"says Maurine Mwavali.
It however remains to be seen if the ODM chief who had taken a break from local politics will retreat back and reset his batteries for another ride with Kenya Kwanza.
In Western, supporters praised him for challenging for the AUC commission seat and described him as a brave soldier.
They claimed his good visions for Africa will be implemented in Kenya if they continue with their working relations with President Ruto.
"He has been unlucky but we hope the good ideas he had for the continent will not die with this loss," said Joseph Juma.
In Migori, residents who had planned celebration parties were also left a disappointed lot following the loss
Saitoti Jabuya who is a resident of Migori town said he had expected Raila to win the seat so that as Kenyans we may have an African leader from Kenya
Charles Khamisi who is traders' chairman in Migori said they had hoped and prayed that God would give Raila victory.
Morphine Sawo, another resident of Migori town said she was disappointed with the results.
"We wanted him to go and represent Kenyans in Africa," Ms. Sawo said.
Raila's allies in ODM said that the campaign team that the president had formed tried their best but did not achieve their desired goal.
"Raila gave a good run but unfortunately he did not win. He is still our leader and we will back him and support any decision he makes going forward," said a senior ODM official.