Nairobi, Kenya – August 21, 2024: In a significant move, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has announced his decision to take a sabbatical from Kenyan politics, redirecting his focus towards his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position. The decision comes after intense negotiations with the Kenyan government, which urged Raila to step back from local politics to strengthen his candidacy for the prestigious continental role.
Conditions and Strategic Withdrawal
Raila, a key figure in Kenyan politics and a former prime minister, revealed during a press briefing on Wednesday that he would be stepping back from active involvement in local politics. The decision follows conditions set by the government, which required Raila to maintain political neutrality during his campaign for the AUC Chairperson role.
“I am not going to be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I continue now to focus on the continental campaign. But it is a transitional phase from active Kenyan politics moving towards African continental politics," Raila announced.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
Multiple government sources confirmed that Raila had little choice but to publicly declare his departure from local politics. The discussions, which had been ongoing for some time, culminated in Raila being given time to stabilize his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party before making the announcement.
According to insiders, Raila’s continued involvement in Kenya’s volatile political landscape could have jeopardized his AUC bid. A stable political environment is critical for any country seeking such a high-profile position, and Raila’s sabbatical is seen as a strategic move to enhance his chances.
“Mzee needed to make it clear to the country and continent that he will be taking a sabbatical to confirm that his neutrality and impartiality are guaranteed before the state embarks on campaigns," a source close to the negotiations disclosed.
Strengthening ODM and Continental Focus
In the weeks leading up to his announcement, Raila focused on consolidating his ODM party by appointing senior leaders to take charge in his absence. Governors Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi were named interim deputy party leaders. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was appointed as the chairperson of ODM, marking a significant shift in the party’s leadership structure.
A senior ODM official confirmed that Raila had informed the party leadership of his decision, emphasizing the importance of galvanizing support for his AU bid and working closely with both the Kenyan government and continental leaders.
“Jakom (Raila) made the party leadership aware of the enormous task ahead of him to galvanize support for his AU bid, including the need to work with the government and continental leaders,’’ the official stated.
Strategic Announcement for Continental Impact
Raila’s decision to step back from local politics was carefully timed to ensure maximum impact and coverage across the continent. Analysts suggest that his move to allow ODM members to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza administration could enhance his image during the continental campaign.
The decision to publicly announce his sabbatical was finalized last week, following a meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other top government officials. Diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also advised Raila to declare his neutrality in local politics to boost his AUC chances.
Government Support and Next Steps
The Kenyan government, led by President William Ruto, has pledged full support for Raila’s AUC campaign. Eligible AU member states will cast their votes in February 2025, with the winner required to secure at least two-thirds of the votes from the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
As Raila shifts his focus to continental politics, his sabbatical marks a pivotal moment in both Kenyan and African political landscapes, with high stakes for the future leadership of the African Union.
In Summary:
- Raila Odinga announces a sabbatical from Kenyan politics to focus on his bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
- The decision follows government pressure for political neutrality, with Raila set to prioritize his continental campaign.
- Raila has consolidated his ODM party leadership and received full backing from President Ruto’s administration for the AUC bid.
