Seismic Shift As Raila Hints At Quitting Kenyan Politics [VIDEO]

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, August 21 hinted at exiting Kenyan politics to concentrate on his candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, in what could lead to a dramatic shift in the country’s political scene.

Speaking on Wednesday, August 21, during a joint media briefing with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader revealed that his bid for the continental seat would lead to him exploring African politics instead.

This move would blow open a window of opportunity for fresh faces, particularly in the opposition to stake their claim in their mission to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.

“At the moment, I am involved in the campaigns but that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist. I am not going to be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth, as I continue to focus my attention on the continental campaign.

“It is a transitional phase from active participation in Kenyans to moving towards African continental politics,” Raila remarked.

With Raila putting focus on the AUC bid, there is a big hole to fill in terms of the party leadership of ODM, which has been fighting accusations from affiliate parties of Azimio la Umoja in wrangles that began after four of its top brass joined President Ruto’s Cabinet.

On August 9, ODM’s Central Committee held a meeting to deliberate on matters affecting the leadership of the Party in light of vacancies created in its leadership following the resignations of its two Deputy Party Leaders, National Chairman, the Secretary for political affairs and a member of the Parties Elections Coordinating Committee.

The meeting saw Raila retain his spot as the party leader, though the opposition party will need to prepare for an event it will be forced to pick a new party leader in the event Raila is elected as AUC chairperson.

The meeting resolved to make the following recommendations to the National Executive Committee to fill the vacancies;

1. Kakuta Maimai, MP Kajiado East, was named Secretary for special programs and social welfare.
2. Rahab Robi (Migori) was fronted as Secretary of Publicity and Information
3. Rosa Buyu was proposed for the position of Secretary for Political Affairs
4. Raila’s sister and Kisumu women’s representative, Ruth Odinga was fronted as ODM Deputy Organizing Secretary
5. MPs John Ariko and Otiende Amollo were fronted as vice chairmen of the ODM party.
6. Gladys Wanga, the Governor of Homa Bay, will now serve as the party Chairperson
7. Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherriff Nassir were fronted as Deputy Party Leaders

On Monday, August 19, the party claimed deliberate attempts by the Azimio branches to force Raila into heeding their demands, with ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga asserting that the party would not agree to engage with anyone acting in bad faith and with ulterior motives.

In making reference to Raila’s commitment to the opposition, she believed that the questioning of his stance was a sign that the parties were acting maliciously.

“They are hiding behind the three gentlemen and one lady who joined government and using it to try and wrestle the leadership of the houses of Parliament from ODM. We find that unacceptable,” she stated in part.

Wanga warned that the ODM party would not tolerate attempts by the Azimio affiliates to use Raila to get what they want, as well as attempts to use his bid for the AUC chairperson role to mask sinister motives.

“As a party, ODM will not accept any continued attempts to use Raila Odinga as a human shield, any continued attempt to arm-twist him into endorsing anybody at this stage, or any continued attempt to use him as an excuse for the failure of leadership in individual constituent parties of Azimio.

“And we will not accept the use of Raila’s bid for AUC chairmanship to be used to pass ill-intentioned remarks disguised as well wishes and to arm-twist him on Azimio matters. Raila has earned his candidacy for AUC chairmanship,” she went on.

Azimio la Umoja brigade led by Raila Odinga at a past press address on national issues at their headquarters in Nairobi. /RAILA ODINGA