Raila clarifies on ‘Christianity discriminatory’ remarks, says he was misunderstood

Speaking during a campaign rally in Machakos on Friday, Odinga said political rivals had edited the video and misrepresented his sentiments to insinuate that he was discriminating against members of the Christian faith.

The Azimio flag bearer spelt out that he was addressing a section of Muslim women concerning their discrimination in government institutions and that was why he was calling for equal treatment of all religious groups.

“There is a clip circulating around…I was addressing a group of Muslim women who came to see me complaining of discrimination when they apply for passports or ID cards,” Odinga stated.

“Somebody has picked that comment of me addressing Muslim women and want to use it to seem like am trying to discriminate against Christianity, no.”

The former prime minister went on to shed some light on the issue reiterating that he was against favouring one religious group.

Citing his tenure as an MP, Odinga revealed that he had a first-hand encounter with the kind of discrimination in institutions, adding that if he wins in the August polls no form of discrimination would be tolerated in his administration.

“I have been an MP for Langata constituency and have seen that kind of discrimination against members of Islamic community….” Odinga explained.

He added: "I said the church is protected by the Constitution… protects the right of every Kenyan to profess any kind of religion. All regions are protected by the constitution.”

In the clip that has since raised an uproar, Odinga said that the colonialists had brought a perception that Christianity was superior to other regions and that his administration would end that narrative.

A fact-check by Citizen Digital, established that the clip had been re-edited to bring out a different meaning.

“Wakati wazungu walikuwa hapa, Dini ya Wakristo ilipelekwa juu zaidi kuliko zingine. Na hiyo kasumba mpaka imebaki hadi siku ya leo, tutaimaliza,” Odinga said in the section of the clip.

In an indirect attack at his rival Deputy President William Ruto, Odinga rubbished Ruto’s promise to protect churches saying the Church is already protected in the constitution.

“The Church does not need to be protected by the president; it is already protected by the constitution. We shall respect all religions. I’m a Christian but that does not mean discriminating against other religions, the Muslims have equal rights as Kenyans,” Odinga said.