Raila Odinga : Why my ‘swearing in’ is legal

Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Monday (December 25) assured his supporters that his planned ‘swearing in’ is legal, reiterating that he legitimately won the August 8 General Election.

Speaking during a Christmas service at St. Peters ACK church in Bondo, Siaya County, the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader claimed that the opposition coalition had accessed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers and determined that Mr. Odinga won the disputed presidential race in August.

“We as NASA have accessed the server, and we won. I will not be sworn in against the law. I will do so because I won,” he said.

The former Prime Minister also lashed out at those condemning the proposed inauguration by saying his supporters will not be threatened.

“I will be sworn in whether they like it or not. Come next year, you shall see what will happen,” Mr. Odinga added.

Also in attendance at the Christmas service was Siaya Senator James Orengo, who said that the new year will bring with it a new leadership for the country.

“We need a fresh leadership, and I know it will happen in the new year,” said Orengo.

The Christmas service was also attended by Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo) and their Alego/Usonga counterpart Samuel Atandi.

 In his Christmas message to the country Mr. Odinga on Saturday, December 23 said he would be sworn in “very early” in 2018.

“We cannot and shall not go back to dictatorship. We promise you that you can now look forward confidently to our swearing in ceremony very early in the New Year,” said Odinga.