Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has said that he will not be an active player in the Kenyan political scene as he focuses on his campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union.
Kenya nominated the former Prime Minister for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairman position, whose election is scheduled for February next year. It is for this reason that Raila has said he will shift focus to the race for the continental position.
“You know that I’m going to begin to work for the continent once I’m elected in February 2025.
“At the moment, I’m involved in the campaigns, but that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist. I’m not going to be active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I focus my attention on the continental campaign,” Raila told the press after meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The Raila-Mudavadi talks were a preparatory meeting towards the launch of the former’s AUC campaign on 27th August 2024, which will be officially kicked off by President William Ruto.
Meanwhile, the former Lang’ata Member of Parliament explained why the African Union (AU) needs to be strengthened.
“We’re happy to see that Africa has come of age from the ashes of the Organisation of African Union, but today’s African Union needs to be strengthened to enable African countries to realise the dreams of our founding fathers,” Raila said.
“A united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa where citizens feel free and united and can work productively on the continent,” he added.
He also touched on the issue of African migration to Europe, which at times has led to massive losses of lives in the Mediterranean Sea.
“As you know, many young African boys drown in the Mediterranean as they try to run away from poverty and the challenges on the continent, seeking greener pastures in Europe,” Raila said.
“This doesn’t have to happen if we create a conducive and enabling environment for these people to get employed on the continent of Africa,” the ODM chief added.
Mudavadi’s plea
On his part, Mudavadi explained why Kenya Kwanza government will fully support Raila’s bid.
“To fellow Kenyans, as a nation, we have always come together to stand behind our own, whether on the tracks, the fields, or on the global stage. Just as we cheered our athletes in the recent Olympics, let us lend our full support to Hon. Raila Odinga as he carries the Kenya flag high in the race for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
“This is more than a candidacy; it is a national mission. Hon. Raila Odinga represents Kenya’s voice, values, and aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him, not just as a government but as a united people,” Mudavadi said.
