Budalang’i Member of Parliament Rafael Wanjala has joined the growing chorus of leaders urging Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, Raila Odinga, to make public his next course of action following his defeat in the election on February 15, 2025.

Speaking during the ODM party’s 20-year anniversary event in Busia on Friday, 28 February 2025, Wanjala remarked that he and his constituents in Budalang’i were eagerly waiting for Raila to announce his political direction so they could rally behind him.

“Na Baba, tunataka kukuambia sisi kama watu wa Budalang’i na mimi mwenyewe tunangoja tu kuona njia utakayoenda ndio tukufuate. Hii miaka ishirini imekuwa ushahidi wa vile umekuwa kiongozi bora na hivyo tunataka utuambie ni yepi unayo,” he said.

Wanjala, who expressed his elation at how ODM had weathered turbulent times to emerge as one of Kenya’s most resilient political parties, stated that they did not perceive Raila’s AUC loss as a defeat.

He argued that securing support from 22 heads of state was no mean feat.

He insisted that Raila was the ideal leader for any role and that they stood firmly behind him, confident that he would never lead them astray.

“Na kwetu sisi, AUC ni kama ulishinda. Kupata support na kuchaguliwa na marais ishirini na wawili msione kama ni kitu rahisi. Na kwa hiyo, wewe ndio kiongozi wetu na utatupeleka mbali,” he added.

ODM Anniversary Celebrations

The lawmaker, a staunch ally of Raila Odinga, was among a host of leaders who converged at Bukiri Primary School in Funyula, Busia County, to commemorate the party’s two-decade milestone under the theme “Celebrating Our Unity and Diversity.”

He was joined by top ODM officials, including Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o (Interim Party Leader), Gladys Wanga (ODM Chairperson), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (ODM Secretary-General), Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (Deputy Party Leader), Kisii Governor Simba Arati (Deputy Party Leader), and Godfrey Osotsi (Deputy Leader).

Also in attendance were Members of Parliament and Senators elected on ODM tickets, all of whom showered Raila with praise, pledging unwavering loyalty and vowing to stand by whatever path he chooses.

Roots Party Leader George Luchiri Wajackoyah was also among the high-profile guests, alongside Luanda MP Dick Maungu and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.

Before speeches and formal declarations, attendees were treated to electrifying entertainment, featuring performances from renowned artists, a choir, and stand-up acts from local comedians, adding a celebratory touch to the momentous occasion.