Raila shuns 2022 succession talk started by Oburu

EALA MP Oburu Oginga in Siaya county with African Union envoy Raila Odinga. [Standard]

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has once again denied reports that he will be contesting for the presidency in 2022.

Mr Odinga said Kenyans should ignore comments made by his elder brother Oburu Odinga, suggesting that he will take another stab for the presidency. 

He cautioned Kenyans to treat Dr Oburu's remarks as his personal views.

“Those are Oburu’s personal views. I have not talked about 2022," said Odinga. The Opposition chief who was speaking during the burial of Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito's brother said he has never talked about his plans for 2022.

“I have not said it anywhere that I will be in the race in 2022. Oburu talked about it, and I have told him about my stand," Odinga said. 

He explained that he had reached an agreement with President Uhuru Kenyatta not to discuss 2022 succession politics.

While speaking earlier, Oburu hinted that his brother could be the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) flag bearer in the upcoming elections.

He said Odinga need not declare his bid early since there was still plenty of time left ahead of the next polls.

“Raila is still very strong and he has all it takes to run, how dare you say he has aged when Oburu is not old,” Oburu said.

According to Oburu, individuals who have declared their presidential bids and are busy chest thumping could be in for a rude shock.

Field candidate

“Those who have already declared their candidature and are all over shouting how they have taken an early lead should tell Kenyans who they are competing with,” said Oburu.

He insisted that ODM will field a candidate: “There is still plenty of time. Our party must field a candidate, but in my opinion, Raila is still energetic and is up to the task.”

Two weeks ago, Odinga was hosted by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya at Mr Oparanya's Mabole rural home where they agreed to start touring the whole country beginning with Western Region .

Oparanya had said the western tour would provide a platform for both leaders to sensitise locals about the proposed referendum.

According to sources privy to the meeting, the two leaders also discussed ODM’s dwindling fortunes in the region, and campaigns by Deputy President William Ruto.