Raila’s ways with religion draw mixed reactions

By Ally Jamah

During his eventful political career, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stepped foot in many places of worship.

This has attracted cynicism and praise.

Some say his publicised trips to houses of worship reveal a man trying to use religion to boost his political fortunes. Others regard him as a sincere man with a mind open to all religions.

In his biography, Raila: Enigma in Kenyan Politics, he describes himself as a "privately spiritual person, a deep thinker, a man with a rare understanding of the major religions of Kenya".

Prime Minister Raila Odinga with Owuor after the event. Photo: Evans Habil/Standard

While in prison in 1983 after being accused of involvement in the 1982 coup, Raila says that he got a chance to study the Bible deeply and the book became a "great source of solace and strength ever since".

"I read the Bible from cover to cover, stopping in stages to reflect and find comfort and encouragement in the stories there," he says.

Desire fulfilled

Apparently, due to effects of his bible studies, his wife Ida tried to arrange for him to receive Holy Communion to demonstrate his seriousness with a religious life. Ida looked for a priest, but they were reportedly afraid of being victimised by the then Government.

Eventually, the Reverend Edward Dondi of St Mark’s Church came forward. But the Commissioner of Prison in charge of detainees reportedly blocked the ceremony. Raila says he later fulfilled his desire for Holy Communion after he was released from prison. During his stay in prison, Raila says he also studied Koran, the Muslim holy book, through the help of a Muslim teacher who met him once a week. It is not clear whether he embraced the faith.

In the last General Election, evangelical Christian groups accused Raila of signing a secret pact with Muslims to implement the Sharia law.

Raila is often accused of ambivalent religious faith, much unlike Kibaki who is Catholic and attends Mass often. First President Jomo Kenyatta revealed little about his religious beliefs, even though he was Christian.

Former President Moi on the other hand wore his Christianity on his sleeve and attended weekly Sunday services, throughout his 24-year rule.