Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced his willingness to give up his ambitions for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson post for the good of the country.
In a statement made on July 21, Odinga addressed allegations that he was bribed to form a Government of National Unity with President William Ruto, amid speculations that the government was manipulating his AUC ambitions.
He dismissed these claims terming them as ” baseless propaganda” spread by detractors of the Azimio La Umoja, One Kenya Coalition.
“The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false,” declared Raila.
Additionally, he reaffirmed his support for the ongoing Gen-Z protests, saying the movement was addressing real issues that his coalition raised last year but remain unresolved.
Raila Expresses His Dedication to Reforms
Odinga reiterated his dedication to the ongoing reforms, emphasizing, “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 further called on the government to address several issues, including compensation to the relatives of those killed by police and goon violence during last year’s protests as well as the recent ones.
Also Read: Raila Issues 6 Demands Ruto Must Meet Before Talks Amid Azimio Fallout
The opposition leader also called for the unconditional release of all arrested political protesters, dropping of all pending charges against protesters, and halting abductions and extrajudicial killings of protesters.
Also, he demanded for the arrest of arrest and prosecution of all police officers involved in the abductions and killings and warned against the reappointment of dismissed Cabinet Secretaries.
Raila Odinga Lists Demands Ahead of Dialogue Talks
Raila emphasized that fulfilling these demands would demonstrate goodwill from President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua, fostering an environment conducive to a National Broad-Based People’s Convention aimed at tackling urgent national issues.
Azimio highlighted critical issues which include the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, rampant corruption, ethnic discrimination in government appointments, and the critical need for transparent auditing of national debts.
Furthermore, Odinga stressed the necessity for the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In response to speculation about discord within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) or the Azimio coalition, Odinga firmly dismissed such reports terming them as false fabrications.
Gen Z Write to AUC
Raila’s remarks about his willingness to drop his AUC ambitions come weeks after Gen Zs wrote to the commission urging them to reconsider Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairperson seat.
The letter, dated July 9, 2024, expressed the young people’s concerns over Odinga’s suitability for the position.
It claimed that Odinga had consistently failed to advocate for policies and initiatives that would empower the youth, who make up the majority of the continent’s population.
Also Read: Tables Turn on Raila as Gen Zs Write to African Union
“His lack of engagement and vision for youth development is alarming,” the statement reads,
Furthermore, the letter raised alarm over Odinga’s alignment with a government implicated in extrajudicial killings, stating that this casts doubt on his commitment to human rights and justice – principles that are fundamental to the African Union.
“It is imperative that the African Union is led by an individual who genuinely champions the interests of all Africans, particularly the youth,” concluded the letter.
This was in response to Odinga’s announcement stating that he had agreed to a dialogue with President William Ruto, which was widely criticized by the youth.
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