Road to Raila Odinga's bid for AUC chairperson long, winding

"I met with Raila and Ruto, and we went to Mombasa. And the outcome of that exercise was to have a committee with each producing five people," Obasanjo said last Friday, flanked by Raila.

While leaders from across the political divide have shied away from commenting on the political handshake deal, they all agree that if the Azimio leader wins the AUC position it will affirm Kenya's place on the global map.

"We have seen Raila as a reformer, and we believe that his appointment will change how things are done at the AU so that we have dignity and respect as Africa," Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi said, adding, "we are a family as a country, and we all stand behind Raila."

The latest push by Ruto's administration to have Raila clinch the AUC top job brings to the fore a closely guarded secret.

The president is currently engaged in a charm offensive with various African countries in efforts to ensure that the Azimio leader Raila clinches Africa's most coveted jobs that would elevate him to a Pan Africanist with influence in 54 countries on the continent.

Obasanjo at a press briefing at Raila's residence last Thursday revealed that he played a crucial role in mediating the deal between Ruto and Raila which ended weekly protests organized by the opposition paving way for the the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco).

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga addressing his supporters. [File, Standard]

"The United Democratic Alliance fully supports Raila's decision to declare his bid for African Union Commission Chairmanship, he is the best candidate for the position given the contribution he has made for the continent, we believe he will push for African unity," said Malala.

National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro said Raila was the best candidate for the position with the government not leave anything to chance to ensure that he clinches the position with all efforts being put towards achieving the goal of having a Kenyan at the top of the African Union.

Azimio principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua supported Raila's decision to throw his hat in the ring for the AUC chairperson. Kalonzo said there could be no better candidate for the seat than the Azimio leader whom they have full confidence in.

Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, PNU leader Peter Munya, Jubilee Party Vice Chairman David Murathe, Jubilee Party Secretary Jeremiah Kioni and Roots Party leader George Wajackoya exuded confidence the Raila will clinch the AU top job.

The Nadco report is set for debate in the Senate and National Assembly on Tuesday. It will be interesting to watch how the government and the opposition will handle the various issues considering the camaraderie occasioned by Raila's AU bid.

When Raila launched 'peaceful demos' last year, lowering the cost of living for Kenyans was part of the agenda. It will be interesting to see if the matter will be pursued now that lawmakers across the political divide are keen on rallying behind the Azimio leader's bid for the AU job.