Raila rules out retiring from active politics

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has ruled out any possibility of him retiring from active politics.

Raila has maintained that he has considered the views of Kenyans, who have advised him to continue serving the country as a political leader.

The former Prime Minister made the revelation on Sunday, September 24, when argued that the time for his retirement has not yet come.

“The day I decide to retire and return to my rural home in Bondo, I will not seek permission from anyone but that time has not yet come,” said Raila.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and his Azimio leader Raila Odinga at a rally. PHOTO/FILE

The veteran politician also assured his supporters that he was still in politics and there was a lot he needed to achieve for the country.

Speaking at the home of his sister-in-law Tabu Osewe in Bondo, Raila clarified that nobody should decide for him about the right time to quit politics.

Raila’s remarks emerged at a time when a section of his allies in the Azimio la Umoja coalition party were positioning themselves to take over from him.

For instance, Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino revealed on September 16 his intentions to succeed Raila.

Babu Owino disclosed his dreams of taking over from Raila during an interview with Willis Raburu on TV47’s Wabebe XP Show.

“Our time will come and when that time comes I can assure you what you have said is going to be true,” he said, in response to whether he will succeed Raila.

Still, on the same, President William Ruto has on various occasions called for Raila’s retirement, insisting that it is time for him to retire from politics.

“The only job I have left is to send Raila Odinga back to Bondo,” Ruto said recently during an event in Nyeri.

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy President Rugathi Gachagua who stated that the government will take good care of Raila when he retires from politics.

On the other hand, Raila’s chief agent in the 2022 elections, Saitabao Ole Kanchory had further fueled the debate about the Azimio leader’s retirement.

Kanchory noted in a statement posted on his X account that Raila should retire and choose his successor before the 2027 general elections.

“But Baba must for heaven’s sake now plan his succession and take his last bow,” noted Kanchory.

“Whether we like it or not, Baba’s time in the political space is up. The only question is whether he will leave the stage on a high or a low,” he added.