‘It will be nights of long swords’ – Onyonka warns Ruto if Raila loses AUC chairmanship
By Ascah Mwango, February 9, 2025Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has predicted a political nightmare for President William Ruto should Raila Odinga fail to secure the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship in the upcoming elections.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, February 9, 2025, Onyonka suggested that Ruto impeaching his deputy Rigathi Gachagua paved the way for efforts to unseat him especially if opposition forces gain momentum following Raila’s loss.
Onyonka highlighted that the impeachment of Gachagua was not an isolated incident but part of a calculated political strategy.
“We told President Ruto that the impeachment of Gachagua was a preparatory act for his eventual impeachment by ODM but he never listened. I’m told the following weeks and months will be nights of long swords. It will be more calamitous if Raila Odinga loses the AU election,” Onyonka stated.
Raila’s AUC chair bid
As the elections fast approach, attention is on the former Prime Minister, who has toured various African nations to present his vision for the continent to Heads of State and government leaders.
Speaking on Saturday, February 8, 2025, Raila expressed confidence that African leaders will support his candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson role.
“We have travelled the whole of Africa, met leaders and talked to them about our vision for our continent, Africa for Africa, which is my agenda and I am confident I will be elected AUC chairman.
“I will do the job to the best of my ability in collaboration with other leaders from the Continent to improve the lives of our people,” he stated.
Raila will be competing against Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar for the prestigious position.
Chief campaigner
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed a cooperation agreement between President Ruto and the opposition leader to support his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Speaking on February 7, 2025, during the opening of Ojola Huduma Centre in Kisumu West, Kindiki stated that despite their past political differences, the two leaders have prioritized Kenya’s interests.
Kindiki noted that their longstanding relationship from their days in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) influenced their decision.
“Rais Ruto na Raila wamesikizana ya kwamba nchi ya Kenya itamuunga mkono kwa dhati ili kiongozi wetu Raila Odinga akuwe kiongozi wa bara la Afrika kule Addis Ababa,” he said.
Kindiki emphasized that President Ruto is actively mobilizing support for Raila, describing him as his biggest campaigner and chief agent.
“The biggest campaigner wa kutafutia Raila hiyo kazi… the first voter… na chief agent wa Raila.”
He expressed confidence in Raila’s chances, citing his qualifications and vision for Africa.