Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced when he will stop engaging in active Kenyan politics and focus on continental matters.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 21, Raila said he will start working for the continent once he is elected and transition from local politics to the issues about Africa.
He also revealed that he will stop being active in local politics and pay attention to his campaign for the African Union (AU) Commission chairperson.
“I am not going to be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth so that I continue to focus my attention on continental campaign. But it is a transitional face from local politics towards African continental politics,” he said.
“You know that I am going to begin to work with the continent once I am elected that is February next year, at the moment I am involved in the campaign. But that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist.”
Raila Reveals Campaign Team
Raila introduced his campaign team for the AUC Chairmanship position race, led by former IGAD Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim.
Joining Raila at the press briefing were Kenya’s former ambassador to the US Elkanah Odembo, Nyeri County Deputy Governor Carolyne Karugu, and digital communication strategist Pauline Njoroge.
Regarding his campaign team, Raila explained that the faces supporting his candidacy will keep changing along the way.
“It is a process, and not an instant coffee. So, you will be seeing different faces around me as things move on. More people will join others will exit, that is normal. There is no problem about that at all,” Raila said.
Also Read: Raila Unveils His Campaign Team for AUC Chairmanship Race
Ruto to Formally Announce Kenya’s AUC Bid
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi pledged that President William Ruto’s government will rally behind Raila’s candidacy.
He revealed that the President will formally address the nation on Raila’s bid in the coming days
Mudavadi added that Ruto will discuss those who will be integral to the campaign process moving forward.
“Everything will be systematic; it is important that the President communicates formally to Kenyans, the continent, and the world that we are rallying behind Raila,” Mudavadi said.
Also Read: How Raila’s AU Job Will Change 2027 Elections – Experts
Mudavadi noted that being an AUC requires significant resources due to the need to travel across all 54 African countries.
Raila will face-off with Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
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