Supporters of Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga celebrate on Friday, as the Supreme Court nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's election win last month and called for new elections within 60 days. Photo: IC

Raila Odinga, the 77-year-old Kenyan veteran opposition leader was on Saturday endorsed by an alliance of more than 20 political parties to contest for presidency during the country's August polls.

Among the parties that pledged support for Odinga's quest for presidency in the East Africa's largest economy was the ruling Jubilee which is headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

For the first time in the history of Kenya, the ruling party headed by 61-year-old Kenyatta declared support for an opposition leader, a reaffirmation the country's nascent democracy was maturing.

Kenyatta in his speech at Odinga's coronation ceremony held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi said he had faith in his former rival, whom they shook hands in March 2018, after a vicious contest, setting the stage for an era of peace and tranquility in the country.

"I have faith in Odinga's ability to transform this country and ensure it remained peaceful, united and a key player in regional affairs," said Kenyatta.

Odinga's endorsement to run for presidency under the Azimio La Umoja (Resolution for Unity) coalition of more than 20 political parties set the stage for intensive campaigns ahead of August 9 national polls.

The son of the late doyen of Kenyan opposition politics, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga who is also the African Union (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development, will have a fifth stab at the presidency in the August polls.

Other political heavy weights who announced they will back Odinga's presidential race included Kalonzo Musyoka, a one-time foreign minister and vice president who is the leader of opposition Wiper Party.

Xinhua