Raila Odinga Threatens to Withdraw from AUC Chairman Race
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday threatened to drop his African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson bid.
Speaking in Dubai, the Azimio leader revealed that should the quest to gain political stability in Kenya not be fruitful, he would drop out of the race to chair the continental body.
“I am ready to forgo my AUC ambitions for the sake of my country if this is being used to manipulate me at the expense of the quest for a better and stable country,” he was quoted as stating.
The statement came a few minutes after the former Prime Minister revealed that he would not engage in dialogue with President William Ruto’s administration before justice for young Kenyans who died during the anti-government protests is served.
Raila further remarked that he was offended by reports that he had been bribed into a government of national unity by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The Azimo Leader noted that speculations that he was being manipulated to support Ruto’s government in exchange for lobbying for the AUC top seat could not be further from the truth.
“The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false,” he was quoted as stating.
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According to Raila Odinga, the rumors that he was being bribed with an AUC seat were propagated by individuals who wanted to sow division within the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition.
The Azimio Leader who doubles as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader further dispelled rumours there were divisions within ODM due to his decision to engage in dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Raila had been criticized by a section of ODM top luminaries led by Siaya Governor James Orengo who termed the decision to dialogue with Ruto’s government as a betrayal to those who died during Finance Bill protests.
“We cannot at a time we are mourning our people and some are scrambling for positions, this cannot happen,” Orengo stated on Friday, July 19.
In an apparent change of heart, Raila agreed with Governor James Orengo remarking that he would not engage in government-initiated talks until justice was served for the victims of police brutality.
Raila Odinga Threatens to Withdraw from AUC Chairman Race
