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Kenyan Man in the UK Launches Petition to Have Raila Nominated for 2018 Nobel Peace Prize
A Kenyan living in the United Kingdom has launched a petition seeking to have opposition leader Raila Odinga nominated for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.
In his petition, Ali Abdi heaps praise at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader over his recent efforts toward enhancing peace and unity in Kenya and beyond.
The petitioner cites Raila’s famous March 9th peace agreement with President Kenyatta to end a political stalemate in Kenya, and the reconciliation of warring South Sudan leaders, President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar.
“Raila Odinga has played important role and pioneered peace initiatives not only in Kenya but African continent. The recent hand shake with President Kenyatta like the previous with President Kibaki saved Kenya from turning into bloody civil war. Raila Odinga deserves Nobel Peace Prize,” the petitioner argues.
He continues: “He (Raila) has transformed the lives of millions of Kenyans by sacrificing his freedom in exchange for transformation from totalitarianism, tyranny, dictatorial norms and draconian dark day single party democratic monopoly to multi party democracy creating opportunity for people to exercise their rights to elect persons of their choice.”
Kenyans on social media including politicians have welcomed the petition. By Monday, July 23rd, 1,870 Kenyans had signed the petition against a target of 2,500.
“Kenyans could still be in the dark without his sacrifices. Raila has also brokered peace, not only in Kenya but the African continent as a whole,” the petitioner further says.
Kenyan environmentalist, the late Prof. Wangari Maathai won the award in 2004 for her efforts towards sustainable development, democracy and peace.
