This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On August 31, 2019, a popular reggae DJ, Kriss Darling, stunned Kibra residents and the nation when he publicly knelt before Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, during an ODM rally in Kibra.
The incident occurred when Mr. Odinga, accompanied by party officials, was unveiling candidates for the forthcoming by-election in Kibra, occasioned by the death of MP Ken Okoth.
Clad in a bright orange tracksuit, Kriss Darling, whose official name is Chris Odhiambo, waited for his chance to address the crowd. Instead, he turned around and directed his prayers at Mr. Odinga, who appeared taken aback by the ambush.
‘‘Baba, I ask that you hold my hand, and that the people of Kibra allow you to hold my hand,’’ the DJ said. ‘‘I’ve heard that there are a lot of young MPs fighting you in Parliament. Allow me, their fellow young man, to go and fight them on your behalf. No one will dare touch you if I’m present. Before they touch you, Sifuna or Aladwa, they will have to shoot me first. For you to remain alive to lead us in 2022.’’
Later, after the video recording of him beseeching Mr. Odinga to support him for the Kibra seat went viral, the dreadlocked DJ came out to downplay the incident, saying that in his upbringing, he was taught to humble himself when speaking to elders.
‘‘It wasn’t that I was worshipping a human being,’’ the DJ clarified. ‘‘It was an act of respect for Mr. Odinga.’’
