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Raila’s big day: Thousands of Kenyans throng Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja convention  

Azimio la umoja

Supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

By 7am Friday, the usually quiet Kasarani Sports Stadium and its environs became a buzz of frenzied activities as supporters of Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga arrived for the Azimio la Umoja convention.

Azimio la Umoja convention

Supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

On the roads leading to the stadium, the excitement was palpable as bus-loads of people made their way to the venue.

Azimio la Umoja convention

Heavy traffic around Kasarani Stadium during Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021.

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

Pro-Raila chants could be heard from the excited ODM supporters.

Azilio la Umoja

 Supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021

Photo credit: Jeff Angote | Nation Media Group

 Seemingly, not even the cold weather could dampen the charged political mood.

 Azimio la Umoja convention

Orange Democratic Movement supporters dance at Kasarani Stadium ahead of Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021.

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

On approaching Kasarani Stadium, packed school buses could be seen along the way that leads to Gate 2, the main entrance being used to let people into the venue. Many others opted to come in on foot.

Azimio la Umoja

Kenyans arrive at Kasarani Stadium ahead of Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja  convention on December 10, 2021.

Photo credit: Daniel Ogetta | Nation Media Group

By 9.30am, all signs pointed to a venue that will likely be packed to capacity quite early, ahead of the arrival of presidential hopeful Raila Odinga. 

 Azimio la Umoja

Orange Democratic Movement supporters at Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja  convention on December 10, 2021.

Photo credit: Jeff angote | Nation Media Group

Security teams on the ground comprising police officers had a busy day as they attempted to screen all entrants.

Thousands of Raila Odinga supporters flock to Kasarani Stadium

Business vendors, who sought to cash in on the big day, arrived at the stadium early.

Azimio la Umoja

Supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021. 

Photo credit: Jeff Angote | Nation Media Group

They were selling pro-Raila merchandise including caps, scarfs and whistles.

Azimio la Umoja

Traders sell their wares at Kasarani Stadium ahead of Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja  convention on December 10, 2021.

Photo credit: Daniel Ogetta | Nation Media Group

The ODM leader, who arrived at the stadium at 12.20pm, was greeted by an excited crowd.  Everyone at the stadium stood up as Mr Odinga arrived. Those with placards waved at the ODM leader who also waved back.

Kanu leader Gideon Moi also arrived at the stadium at midday.

Azimio la umoja

Supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga at Kasarani Stadium during Azimio la Umoja convention on December 10, 2021

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

The song  'Leo ni Leo' was played as Mr Odinga made a lap of honour, waving at the excited crowd from the sunroof of his Toyota Prado.

This was soon followed by prayers from different religious leaders.