I will work for both Africa and Kenya, Raila assures supporters

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has assured his supporters that will continue featuring in Kenyan politics even if he gets the African Union commission chairperson job.

The Azimio leader made the remarks on Saturday March 9, 2024 during the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a tuition block at the Raila Education Center in Kibra constituency, Nairobi.

He assured his supporters that he has the capability to serve Kenya and Africa.

“I will be around here. I am not going to be away. I will work for the continent of Africa but, at the same time, work for Kenya,” said Raila.

“When the time comes and you need me, I will respond to your call,” he added.

Raila Odinga during the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a tuition block at the Raila Education Center in Kibra constituency on March 9, 2024. Photo/Raila Odinga/X

According to the Azimio leader, serving as AUC chairperson won’t stop him from participating in Kenyan politics.

For instance, a week ago, Raila stated that he was not ready to retire from active politics and will be available any time to Kenyans since AU headquarters in Addis Ababa is not very far away.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of education among the youth, saying that it is the engine for wealth creation in society.

He also urged the Kenya Kwanza government to address major challenges such as examination irregularities, and poor funding to streamline the education sector.

“Education is very fundamental in our country. Without proper education, no nation can prosper,” he said.

“If the youth are empowered with quality education they become the engine for wealth creation in the society. This is a challenge to the present government. It is very unfortunate that today we still have issues of capitation and examination cheating,” he added.

His remarks emerged two days after Embakasi East member of parliament (MP) Babu Owino claimed that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is best suited to take over from Raila Odinga as Azimio leader and presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during an interview with Radio 47 on March 7, 2024 Babu Owino disclosed that Kalonzo should take over the Azimio leadership if Raila Odinga retires from active politics.

Babu Owino confirmed that if Raila endorses Kalonzo as presidential candidate in the 2027 presidential elections, then ODM will fully support his candidature.

“If Baba endorses Kalonzo in 2027, we have no problem as Azimio because he (Kalonzo) has been with us,” said Babu Owino.

The Embakasi East MP added that Kalonzo has been loyal to Raila Odinga since the 2013 presidential elections, the 2017 elections as well as accepting to be Raila’s running mate for a third time in the August 2022 presidential elections.

“Kalonzo has worked with us and he has the capacity to lead the Azimio coalition if Raila succeeds in his bid of becoming the next AU commission chairperson.

“The Wiper leader deserves the respect, for what he has done for the Azimio coalition and his overall contribution in Kenyan politics,” said Babu Owino.

Meanwhile, the Raila succession debate is ongoing in ODM, as leaders seek to take over from Raila, just in case he succeeds in his bid to become the next AUC chairperson.

The same succession politics is also going on in Azimio coalition party as other leaders such as Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka seek to take over from Raila.