Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has thrown his weight behind Raila Odinga’s African Union Chairmanship (AUC) bid.

In his statement on Friday, December 6, 2024, Cherargei while urging Kenyans to give Raila a break, noted that it was unfair to expect the former prime minister to defend them as opposition leader.

While reprimanding those opposed to Raila’s candidature, the senator added that the former prime minister has been in the opposition for the last 40 years, therefore, it is only fair that Kenyans let him focus on his AUC bid.

Cherargei also noted that those against Raila’s candidature were only fighting him due to his allegiance to President William Ruto.

“KOT should give Raila a break! Where was it written that he should be in opposition politics forever? He has done it for over 40 years,” he said.

“He is on his way to becoming AUC chairperson because he is true Pan African & he supports the government of H.E Ruto, that’s beef the sore losers of 2022 have against him.”

The vocal politician additionally underscored that the opposition position is not a preserve for Raila and that other leaders should now take up the mantle.

“Opposition is not a preserve of Tinga others can do like Kalonzo & et al it means they poorly underperforming. Long live Kenya Long live Africa,” he added.

Cherargei’s remarks come days after a section of Raila’s supporters also issued a statement condemning those fighting his AUC candidature.

Led by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communication Director Philip Etale, Odinga’s supporters indicated that Kenyans should rally behind Raila.

Etale defended that Raila deserves the support of Kenyans having sacrificed a lot for the country.

“The only crime Raila Odinga committed was to fight tirelessly for the freedom everyone enjoys in this country. He must be allowed to succeed by the Grace of God,” Etale said.

The discourse over Raila’s candidature comes ahead of the AUC debate where Raila will square it with Richard Mahitsison Randriamandrato and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in a televised debate next Friday, December 13, 2024, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.