BBC Features Raila Odinga's "Canaan Message" Over its Religious Influence

NASA leader Raila Odinga’s campaign message in the 2017 presidential election has received a special feature in one of the world’s most respected media houses.

The BBC did a feature story on the influence of religion in the Kenyan election, with the writer expressing admiration for Odinga’s understanding of the bible that influenced his campaign message from the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to Canaan.

“Mr Odinga - the presidential candidate of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) - has carefully studied the Book of Joshua and cast himself in the role of the famous hero who succeeded Moses, and led the fight to liberate enemy territory and settle the Israelites in the new land,”

“If the opposition leader contests and wins the presidential election re-run on 26 October, a large chunk of the Kenyan population will be about to enter the biblical land of Canaan,” the BBC story read in part.

The former Prime Minister has throughout the campaign trail insisted that he would play the role of Joshua, while at the same time describing the NASA campaign team as the only sure way to Canaan.

Indeed, while announcing the coalition would be raising campaign funds through a public pay bill, Odinga called on his supporters to buy “their tickets to Canaan”.

At the same time, the BBC analysed the use of religion in the Jubilee team - noting that ruling coalition had opted for public prayers to attract votes from religious voters.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, who are seeking re-election, must be suffering from sore knees, as they have moved from church to church kneeling before men of God,” the British Media House observes.