Re: Raila Odinga can be compared to Jesus?

Mosaisi,

You are right on target and are very keen to point out crazy politicking whenever you spot it. This however is not consistent with hiding behind the face of a Nigerian actor, famously known as Basket Face. Is there anything wrong in displaying your own picture at your blog site?

I agree with you 100% that Raila cannot be compared to Jesus. *IF* indeed Raila compared himself to Jesus, that just goes to show how human and simple he is. Also he might have compared minute moments of his life experience with that of Jesus, Galileo or Mandela. To wit, mere comparison of a minute life experience with that of Jesus Galileo or Mandela does not mean he claimed to be the Messiah, Galilei or Madiba!

My take on it, is that there are very subtle similarities to Raila's life experience with those quoted. It is a fact that Raila was detained for 8 years without trial for xenophobia inherent in the governors of the day.

Moi has never said why he detained Raila. Could it have been because of his beliefs, or could it have been because someone said, "Raila claims to be the future president of Kenya?" Wasn't Jesus crucified by the Romans because the later feared the former to be King of the Jews? Or was he crucified because the Jews alledged that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah? Wasn't Nelson Mandela, who unlike Raila was tried, but like Raila, also imprisoned for xenophobia and other tramped up charges.

Mandela was called a terrorist as he was trying to bring about change in SA. Raila risked being called the same whenever he is associated with the 82 coup that was seeking to change a de facto one party regime and constitution. Did Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and subsequent release including his actions bring about freedom of expression in SA? Yes. Did Raila Odinga's detention and subsequent release including his actions before and thereafter bring about freedom of expression to our county Kenya? Yes.

Did Jesus believe that there were no gentiles nor Jews in the eyes of God? Yes. Did Jesus preach that we are all equal in the eyes of God? Yes. Does Raila believe that Kenyans are all equal in the eyes of God? Yes. Does Raila believe that ANY ONE, circumcised or not, can be Kenya's president? Oh Yes! Did Nelson Mandela believe apartheid could end? Yes. Did he do something about it? Yes. Does Raila believe tribalism and xenophobia can end? Yes. Is he doing something about it? Oh Yes! Are there similarities here? Say your answer loud and clearly and without shame.

Many believe in the story of Jesus by faith. I am Bahá'í , so by faith I believe in Bahá'u'lláh.

Like I said elsewhere as I responded to one Rev Okoth Otura, it is dangerous to mix religion with politics. That is why I agree with you Mosaisi that Raila cannot compare himself or be compared to Jesus, who is a religious figure.

However, why should'nt Raila be compared to Mandela who is mortal? Is it because Mandela was detained for 27 years and Raila only 8? Don't you see that many Kenyans do NOT believe in Raila by faith, but by the reality of his political conviction, and his down-to-earth and simplistic nature. To wit, a people's leader, such as Madiba!

We all know how eloquently Raila can defend himself against such simple accusations. Instead he is staying focused in his pursuit to ascend to the top office so that he can demonstrate that there are no citizens nor 'kehes,' no minority nor majority, just Kenyans.

Be that as it may, it is possible that there was misreporting by one Abiya Ochola. B eing a Luo, I can at least say that I can recognize a Luo trait when I see it. Luos are a very proud people. Luos also have a difficult time flaunting success or bragging, or hiding over excitement. Remember how we celebrated when Gor Mahia won or lost? It is just a matter of time before one will say, "Luos are the leaders of the free world" should Raila & Obama succeed in their plight. Abiya Ochola my have misquoted, exaggerated or misreported on Raila's remark.

This is where I must also caution my fellow Luos who like me, are quite unable to hide excitement. Such talk or reports can set off like Mosaisi, and turn a voter away, unless Mosaisi was originally anti-Raila. It is very important that since Raila's presidency is almost a reality, us Luos must refrain from holding Raila in the same status as Ruoth, or even a demigod. I have been with Raila up close, and even 1v1. He is the simplest leader you can imagine.

Elsewhere many have written regarding the need to end stereotype notions. For example, Kikuyus are not necessarily thugs, Luos are not necessarily smart, Kambas are not necessarily good in sex etc. We are all the same, redykyulassly Kenyan!

Joram Ragem,

wuod Ndinya, wuod Onam, wuod Amolo, wuod Owuoth, wuod Oganyo, wuod Mumbe, wuod Odongo, wuod Olwande, wuod Adhaya, wuod Ojuodhi, woud Ragem! ( Are you my relative?)