Raila Odinga: AUC Ambitions Won’t Impact My Political Commitments
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has emphasized that if he takes up the role of heading the African Union Commission (AUC), it will not hinder his involvement in Kenya’s political scene.
Mr. Odinga noted that the flight from Kenya to Addis Ababa, where the AUC headquarters is located, is a mere two hours and will not disrupt his political responsibilities.
“There has been much discussion about my ambition to lead the AU Commission in Addis Ababa. I plan to remain active in Kenya.
“I can easily travel from Bondo to Kisumu, catch a flight to Addis Ababa, work from Monday to Friday, and return to Kenya on the weekend,” stated Mr. Odinga.
As a candidate for the top AU position, Mr. Odinga received support last month when the AU Foreign Ministers endorsed a plan to reserve the seat for the East Africa region.
Mr. Odinga is competing against Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Somalia’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam for the position.
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Mr. Odinga spoke at the funeral of Ms. Hellen Odero, the wife of Mr. Odinge Odero, in Yimbo West, Bondo Sub-County. Mr. Odero had served as an aide to Mr. Odinga’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Both Mr. Jaramogi and Mr. Odero have passed away.
Mr. Odinga urged unity in the Luo Nyanza region.
“Let’s register as ODM members and strengthen the party. A party acts as our weapon and shield, empowering us as a community,” stated the Azimio la Umoja coalition and ODM party leader.
“Do not lose hope or grow weary. We’ve come a long way and will achieve our goals.”
He criticized certain unnamed leaders, calling them opponents of devolution.
“We must acknowledge that devolution has made significant progress. When we proposed devolved governance, some leaders strongly opposed it. Now, we see people working in our counties instead of everyone moving to Nairobi for opportunities,” he said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo criticized ODM members who shifted allegiance to the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance to supposedly bring development projects.
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“We heard of leaders who sought development assistance from the Kenya Kwanza government. The president visited and pledged to build the Dho Goye bridge in six months, but nothing has happened,” Mr. Orengo said.
He pointed out that the constitution guarantees development projects for all regions, regardless of political affiliation and without the need to appeal to the government.
“If proximity to the government was enough for development, the bridge would be finished. Yet nothing has been done,” he remarked.
Mr. Orengo accused the national government of undermining devolution and multi-partyism.
“Suggesting that proximity to the national government guarantees development is undermining devolution. Recruiting lawmakers from other parties is eroding multi-partyism. Withholding funds intended for counties is stifling devolution. We must all defend devolution,” added Mr. Orengo.
He also advised people to stay vigilant about the rains and potential flash floods.
Raila Odinga: AUC Ambitions Won’t Impact My Political Commitments