ODM Convenes Emergency Summit Over Raila’s Surprise AU Commission Bid
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has convened an emergency meeting to strategize the next steps following the unexpected declaration by party leader Raila Odinga to vie for the African Union Commission Chairperson position earlier this week.
If Mr. Odinga is approved for the position, he will essentially be excluded from Kenya’s political scene and the upcoming General Election, as he will be obligated to fulfill the role until 2028.
Mr. Odinga will maintain his voting privileges as a Kenyan citizen, but he will be restricted from engaging in active political involvement, limiting his participation in political activities.
Addressing the audience in Migori County’s Suna East constituency Friday, Junet Mohamed, the Member of Parliament for the area and the Director of Elections for ODM, mentioned that the party is scheduled to meet and discuss the way forward regarding the future direction of the political organization.
Mohamed, a key associate of Mr. Odinga, mentioned that the gathering is scheduled for Mr. Odinga’s return to Kenya following his current trip to Germany.
He reassured that Mr. Odinga’s AU Commission candidacy does not diminish his political influence in Kenya, nor does it weaken his hold on the leadership of the ODM party. Additionally, it was emphasized that this move would not undermine the strength of the opposition political group.
The lawmaker later described the ODM leader as a forward-thinking individual who carefully strategizes his actions. This emphasizes that the ex-premier strategically positioned himself before declaring his ambitions for the continental role.
“Kuna mkutano ya chama imeitishwa na itatoa mwelekeo vile tutaenda. ODM ni chama kubwa na Raila aende AU ama aende EU, yeye atabaki kiongozi yetu hapa Kenya. Walio na wasiwasi wakome,” said Mohamed.
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“Yule mzee ni mchoraji…amechora kila kitu. Amechora vile atakuwa AU, ODM na vile Kenya itaendelea…amechora yote, Hakuna mtu anatoshana na yeye hapa Afrika na hakuna mtu amesaidia Waafrika kushinda Raila.”
John Mbadi, the ODM National Chairperson, echoed Mohamed’s statements, highlighting that regardless of Mr. Odinga taking on the role of the AU Commission, the party will continue to be strong in all aspects of Kenyan politics.
Mbadi emphasized that the former premier’s impact on the party will remain substantial, even if he successfully attains the position.
“Raila’s stature and position in Africa is well documented. He has the capacity and competence to take up that leadership but that does not affect the position of ODM,” said the Nominated MP.
“Our leader is Raila Odinga and whatever he says goes…whether he is chair or not.”
If Mr. Odinga successfully attains the top position in the AU Commission, his responsibilities will include overseeing the implementation of financial regulations within the regional bloc, presiding over all commission meetings and discussions, promoting the objectives of the AU, presenting reports to the assembly, executive council, and permanent member states, and serving as the repository for all AU treaties and legal instruments.
The position of AU Commission Chair also brings the occupant to a status comparable to that of a head of state, with the officeholder playing a crucial role in significant global events such as elections, conflicts, and development, extending beyond the borders of Africa.
A document reviewed by Gossipa2z regarding the ethical guidelines for public officials implies that Mr. Odinga will likely be required to assume a less prominent role in Kenya’s political landscape and adopt a neutral stance in political competitions throughout Africa.
ODM Convenes Emergency Summit Over Raila’s Surprise AU Commission Bid