The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has responded to reports of its leader Raila Odinga retiring from national politics over his bid for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship position.
ODM in a statement on September 5, 2024, disagreed with an article published on Thursday, with the party accusing it of attempting to write a political obituary of its Party Leader Raila Odinga while at the same time inciting non-existent rivalries for Odinga’s position.
“We wish to register our strong disagreement with, and disapproval of a weird story published by the Daily Nation today which attempts to write a political obituary of Party Leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga while at the same time inciting non-existent rivalries for Mr. Odinga’s position,” read part of the statement.
The party pointed out that Odinga has on several occasions informed the country that he will be presenting himself for election to the position AUC Chairperson during elections to be held in February 2025.
ODM Responds to Reports of Raila Odinga Retiring
However, ODM said that neither Odinga nor the party has announced his alleged retirement from party leadership, calling out Nation for the article.
“As matters stand now, neither Mr. Odinga nor the Orange Democratic Movement has announced his exit and retirement from party leadership,” the statement adds.
“We therefore see no reason whatsoever for the Daily Nation to come up with a screaming headline announcing Mr. Odinga’s retirement, complete with an incoherent purported analysis of his life and times as leader of ODM.”
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The party has argued that the story is in absolute bad faith and intended to create despondency among party supporters while fanning pandemonium in ODM.
AUC Bid Officially Launched
The response came following reports that Odinga may be exiting the political arena to focus on his AUC Chairmanship bid.
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President William Ruto on August 27, 2024, officially launched former Prime minister Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship.
This high-profile event was graced by several East African leaders, including Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.
The gathering also saw the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
President Ruto passionately endorsed Odinga, praising his “extensive experience and deep understanding” of African and global affairs.
He argued that Odinga is ideally positioned to tackle the continent’s challenges and enhance the AU’s role in global affairs. Ruto highlighted Odinga’s track record of transformative leadership and commitment to Pan-African unity.
The former premier now embarks on a campaign journey ahead of the February 2025 election in which he is facing competition from candidates from Mauritius, Madagascar, and Djibouti.
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