After losing the 2022 presidential election, Azimio leader Raila Odinga has embarked on a remarkable journey over the years, from running for president to now vying for the position of African Union (AU) Chairperson.

Odinga’s declaration to vie for the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairman has raised speculation and questions, as many thought he would quit national politics.

The ODM party leader has always reinvented himself even after losing five presidential elections and remains politically relevant for more than four decades now despite these losses.

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His political career has been characterized by ups and downs, marked by electoral victories and defeats, as well as strategic alliances and disputes.

Raila’s political journey

In 1997, Odinga contested the presidency under the National Democratic Party (NDP) but was unsuccessful.

Despite this setback, he retained his seat in the National Assembly and later aligned himself with President Daniel arap Moi and the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

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In 2002, Odinga’s ambition to become KANU’s presidential candidate was thwarted when Moi endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta.

This led to a fallout with KANU, and Odinga backed Mwai Kibaki’s successful presidential bid. He was then appointed as Minister for Roads.

The 2007 elections saw Odinga lose to Kibaki in bitterly contested polls.

However, through the intervention of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, an agreement was brokered for a coalition government between Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU) and Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with Odinga becoming prime minister.

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In the lead-up to the 2013 elections, Odinga’s ODM formed the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) alliance.

He ran for presidency again but was defeated by Uhuru Kenyatta.

In 2017, ODM joined other parties to form the National Super Alliance (NASA), backing Odinga for president.

The election was marred by allegations of irregularities, leading to a Supreme Court ruling annulling the results and calling for a re-run.

Odinga withdrew from the re-run, citing a lack of electoral reforms, and launched the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Despite these setbacks, Odinga continued his political journey, entering into a handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018.

In the 2022 election, he ran again, endorsed by the Azimio la Umoja alliance and the ruling Jubilee Party, but lost to the now President William Ruto.

His journey is a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of political challenges, and his bid for the AU position represents a new chapter in his storied career.

Leaders in support for the bid

In his latest bid, various leaders have thrown their weight behind his quest to get the AU job.

Among the leaders who have supported him include UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala, who announced its support for Raila’s bid, describing him as a patriot and panafricanist.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said they are confident that Raila has what it takes to win the position.

READ ALSO: Ruto’s UDA Party offers support for Raila Odinga’s AU bid