The statement came a few minutes after the former Prime Minister revealed that he would not engage in dialogue with President Ruto’s administration
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced on Sunday, July 21 that he was ready to let go of his ambitions for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.
Speaking in Dubai, the Azimio la Umoja coalition leader revealed that he was willing to forego the bid to chair the continental body in the event the political situation in Kenya is not stabilised.
He claimed that some unknown individuals were taking advantage of the bid to manipulate him, particularly to back President William Ruto’s regime.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo (right) endorsing Azimio Leader Raila Odinga for AU Chairmanship on February 15, 2024. /ODM
“I am ready to forgo my AUC ambitions for the sake of my country if this is being used to manipulate me at the expense of the quest for a better and stable country,” he stated.Â
The statement came a few minutes after the former Prime Minister revealed that he would not engage in dialogue with President Ruto’s administration before justice for young Kenyans who died during the anti-government protests is served.
He also remarked that he was offended by reports that the Kenya Kwanza administration had bribed him to endorse a government of national unity at a time when Kenyans are demanding accountability and good governance.
“The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false,” Odinga explained in his defence.
According to Raila, the rumours that he was being bribed with an AUC seat were propagated by individuals who wanted to ignite division within the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition to the point of the coalition being dissolved.
The Azimio Leader who doubles as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader further dispelled rumours there were divisions within ODM due to his decision to engage in dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration.Â
This is after a section of ODM leaders led by Siaya Governor James Orengo who termed the decision to dialogue with Ruto’s government as a betrayal to those who died during Finance Bill protests.Â
Meanwhile, Raila made a U-turn on his earlier calls for dialogue, stating on Sunday that there would be no dialogue unless certain demands aligned with what Kenyans have been hitting the streets to demand are met.
“I agree that justice must come first before any talks,” Odinga noted in his statement, endorsing a position taken by Kenyans who have been pushing for justice in the face of police brutality witnessed during anti-government protests.
President William Ruto flanked by Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka speaking after the assenting of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 at KICC, Nairobi on July 9, 2024. /PCS