Azimio leader Raila Odinga has officially declared his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.
Speaking to the media, on Thursday, February 15, Raila revealed that he has brainstormed about the offer and is ready to occupy the seat.
“I have been consulting widely and I am ready to go for the championship of the African Union. I think if am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” he said.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who accompanied Raila to the presser endorsed him for the seat.
Obasanjo Endorses Raila
Obasanjo explained that the position needed a man with experience like the Azimio leader.
“I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me (Hon. Odinga) is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him,” stated Obasanjo.
According to Obasanjo, former presidents and prime ministers are the best people for the Chairperson’s seat.
How Will this Impact Local Politics
But what does this mean for the 2027 general elections?
Raila has previously hinted at vying for the presidency in 2027 or backing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.
If Raila is elected the next AUC Chairperson’s, he will hold the position up to February 2027.
With the elections scheduled for August 2027, what will step will he take?
Also Read: Raila Declares Bid to Vie for Top African Union Job
Taming Raila
Speaking to The Kenya Times, political analyst Maimuna Mwidau said the AU job could be a chance to keep the opposition chief occupied until the next election.
The analyst explained that the job will allow Kenya Kwanza to conduct its business in peace and without interruption.
Besides, she said the position will reduce political impact by denying him the opportunity to interact with his supporters regularly.
“Politically, it’s to downsize him especially if his time at AU will be longer this denying him an opportunity to engage on a regular basis. His influence will go down,” said Maimuna.
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Retirement Plan
However, Political analyst Abel Oyieyo argued that President William Ruto is not pushing for Raila’s election at the AU.
Oyieyo argued that the former prime minister has realized it is his time to retire from politics and allow other people takeover.
“Ruto is not necessarily the puppeteer making the moves. Raila has possibly, like a good general, known that it is time for him to exit the stage and pave way for someone else. Whether that means an easy 2027 race for Ruto remains to be seen,” he said.
His sentiments were backed by Maimuna who reasoned that the position could be a chance for Raila to transit from local politics and watch his health.
“Unless there is something else, we don’t know, this could be a soft landing for him to take care of his personal “health” and create a peaceful transition for his followers to be at peace that Baba now is at international level,” said Maimuna.
Maimuna explained that Raila’s supporters will be satisfied since the government then will be seen treating him like a statesman of international magnitude and enjoying all the perks that come with such positions.
Also Read: Raila Opposes Ruto’s Plan to Create New Government Post
Kalonzo and Azimio Question
According to Oyieyo, this will allow Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to become Azimio’s flagbearer in the 2027 presidential race.
However, the analyst said the ODM leader can still be a strong candidate in the 2027 race even with the AU role in the mix.
“It is almost certain that Kalonzo Musyoka will be the 2027 candidate, but Raila can easily spring back and run for President in 2027 and still be a formidable candidate. Nothing it impossible,” said Oyieyo.
On the contrary, Maimuna stated that the move might be aimed at splitting the Azimio Coalition.
She explained that the other parties in the opposition will either join bigger political parties or form another outfit.
“There could be many other possibilities such as making sure Azimio breaks into pieces, but also create room for other parties to coalesce in a new formation ( eg kamwana) and others will be absorbed in mainstream parties,” she said.
Oyieyo maintained that Obasanjo’s endorsement is a big boost for Raila.
