MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013
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| Raila Odinga |
Many of you know of my interest in the nation of Kenya -- having traveled to that country in East Africa, and having ministered there many times of the past two years. I am appealing to all my Blog readers and friends on Facebook, to join me this weekend in earnest prayer for the people of Kenya, as they will go to the polls on Monday, March 4, 2013, to elect their next President and other leaders, including Governors, senators, county representatives, and members of Parliament.
There is a special reason for my asking for your prayers. Last Presidential election led to such violence that over one-thousand people died. The disruption was only stopped with the International community stepped in, and a power-sharing government was established between the top two candidates, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga (they became President and Prime Minister respectively). It has taken all these four years to "calm the waters" of the nation. The people of Kenya do not want another violent election.
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| Uhuru Kenyatta |
Unlike the USA, where we usually have just two candidates from two parties (sometimes a third party candidate runs) -- there are many parties in Kenya. They form alliances together to unite. This will be the first election under the newly adopted Constitution (adopted in 2010). There are eight candidates for President. These include: Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua, Peter Kenneth, James Ole Kiyapi, Paul Muite, Musalia Mudavadi, and Mohamed Abduba Dida.
According to the recent opinion polls coming out of Kenya, the top two Candidates and their running mates are: Raila Odinga/Kalonzo Musyoka (current prime minister and vice president - the CORD alliance); Uhuru Kenyatta/William Ruto (son of Kenya's first president, and former minister of agriculture and higher education).
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| Kalonzo Musyoka |
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| William Ruto |
Under the new Constitution, a candidate must get 50% plus 1 of the national vote PLUS at least 25% of the votes in half of Kenya's 47 counties. If no clear winner on March 4th, there will be a second round of voting scheduled for April 11. There are reported to be 14.3 million registered voters in the nation.
Tribalism is an issue in the political arena of Kenya. Odinga is of the Luo tribe, and Kenyatta depends on the Kikuyu tribe. Land is a big issue this year. Kenyatta's family is reported to own over 1/2 million acres of land in Kenya. Many in the nation don't own any land.
Fall out from last election hangs over this election. Odinga was part of the dispute last time. Kenyatta has had to answer charges from the International Criminal Court on his role in the violence following that last election where over 1,000 Kenyan's died.
Now you see why I am calling for PRAYER for Kenya NOW. Pray for God's direction for their leadership, and most of all, PRAY FOR PEACE!
I met last year a fine Baptist missionary lady who barely escaped Kenya with her life in 2007 following that election and the violence. I have communicated with many Kenyan pastors, and they are ALL praying for PEACE.
Will you take a few minutes and pray before Monday for the Peace of God to rule in Kenya?
Thank you!
