This archive report was first published on 7 September 2021.
On September 7, 2021, Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, addressed his critics who have accused him of being a sorcerer.
Speaking during a church service at the Hardy Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Karen, Nairobi, Odinga emphasized his commitment to Christianity, stating, "I am a Christian, a member of the Anglican Church."
"We have walked a long journey to date because of the grace of God. We thank God for all he has done for us. Some people say Raila belongs to the devil, eti Raila ni mganga (that Raila is a sorcerer) I want to tell them that I am a Christian," said Raila.
Odinga shared his personal experiences of political detention, torture, and darkness, highlighting the role of God in his life. He recalled being detained for nine years, during which he was only allowed to see the sun for one hour a day and was forced to live in darkness.
"I was in darkness all the time and we were only allowed to take out excreta in the morning before being locked up again. I stayed that way till my eyes were affected and that’s why I have a problem with my eyes," he said.
Odinga also mentioned how his wife, Ida, was arrested on several occasions, but they overcame these challenges due to God's grace.
He told his critics, "I know what it means to know God because I have passed through several challenges that without God I would not have succeeded."
