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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has today made official his intent to vie for the presidency come 2022.
Under his new slogan "Inawezewekana", the former Prime Minister also announced that Azimio la Umoja would now be considered a political movement.
The announcement was made during the Azimio la Umoja convention held at the Kasarani Stadium on Friday December 10, 2021.
"I Raila Amolo Odinga, having been faithful and committed to building a national democratic and progressive Kenya... I do hereby accept to present myself as presidential candidate at the presidential election on 9 August 2022," he announced.
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The full day event attracted politicians, state officials and the common mwananchi as they hailed Raila as the "5th".
Some of the ODM party politicians were seen gearing up to make their entrance beside the ODM party leader.
ODM deputy party leader and outgoing Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho posted a video with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed preparing to attend.
Here are the live updates from the event:-
4:45 pm: Raila announces he is vying in the 2022 Presidential election
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga officially declared that he will be vying for the presidency in the 2022 General Election.
He added that Azimio la Umoja will be a national coalition movement with the slogan 'Inawezekana (It is possible)'.
4:14 pm: Raila Odinga rises to address Kasarani gathering
The Former Prime Minister's opening statement declared that he is neither regretful or ashamed of the scars of the struggles for liberation.
He went on to recognize his wife's contributions and support of his political career even during detention years.
3:30 pm: Anastacia Mukabwa ushers in Mama Ida Odinga
Tanzanian gospel artiste Anastacia Mukabwa was the curtain raiser for the ODM party leader's wife - Ida - who was invited to speak before Raila Odinga spoke.
Mama Ida introduced members of the Odinga family, majority being sisters of the former Prime minister, and also their nephews, nieces and children.
2:24 pm: Trio Mio begins performance and is cut short
Trio Mio, a 17-year-old Gengetone artiste, was given a chance to perform during the convention but his performance was interrupted just as soon as it had began, with the MC directing that the performer climb down from stage to go greet the ODM party leader.
He had just began to sing his hit, Cheza Kama Wewe, but had not even completed a minute of his performance when he went for the fist-bump with Raila.
1:30 pm: Prayers as event begins.
Sheikh Juma Ngao has caused a stir online after he used the UDA acronym to mean Ufisadi Daima Alliance (unending corruption alliance). The cleric has come under heavy criticism for the veiled jab at Deputy President William Ruto who is affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The Sheikh prayed (translated): "Allah, we pray that you withhold leadership from those who support the Ufisadi Daima Alliance. They are corrupt, they kill and they even burn churches."
12:15 pm: Raila arrives at Kasarani Stadium
11:00 am: Raila Odinga posted a photo alongside his wife, Mama Ida Odinga confirming that he was on his way to Kasarani.