Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, has clarified his comments on Christianity which have attracted a nationwide backlash.
Speaking in Machakos on Friday, July 29, the former Prime Minister decried being targeted by people who misunderstood his statement.
While explaining the content of his comments, Raila maintained that he was advocating for equal rights for other religious groups in the country.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss noted that his sentiments were in response to difficulties faced by Muslims while seeking government services.
"I was addressing a group of Muslim women who came to see me and were complaining about discrimination when they apply for passports or ID cards.
"I wanted to tell them that I have been a Member of Parliament and I have seen that kind of discrimination of Islamic faithful who live in Lang'ata and Kibra constituencies," Raila clarified.
The former Prime Minister added that the discrimination meted out on a section of religious groups in the country stems from colonial systems, which he promised to address if elected in the August 9 polls.
"I was just putting it in historical context, and I did not want to use it against Christianity," Raila explained while reaching out to the Christian faithful to ignore misinformation online.
While affirming his support for religion, Raila reiterated that the 2010 Constitution protects all Kenyans regardless of their religion.
Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, dismissed sentiments by Atheist in Kenya who expressed their support of Raila in ensuring no religion is treated special than the other. Instead, the former Vice President issued an apology to Christians on Raila's behalf.
"I stand here and apologise to any Christian who feels offended by Raila's comments," Kalonzo pleaded.
The Atheists in Kenya society had earlier issued a statement on the elevation of Christianity over other religions.
The President of Atheists in Kenya Society, Harrison Mumia, lauded the former Prime Minister for speaking on the matter. He further stated Christianity was one justification that European powers used to colonise and exploit Africa.
"For a long part of our history, African traditional religion and indigenous cultures were seen as inferior, barbaric, and backward. It is time we reformed our education system so that future generations can appreciate African traditional religion and culture as part of our history," Mumia stated.
On the other hand, a section of Christian believers had called out Raila over the remarks, accusing him of causing a rift between religious groups.
