Questions Kenyans want Raila to answer ahead of AUC debate

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga AUC bid Launch at Statehouse Nairobi. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

In just a few hours, at 7 p.m., the African Union Commission will hold a debate featuring candidates vying for the chairperson position. 

Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, and Richard Jandriamandrato of Madagascar will face off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ahead of the Mjadala Afrika debate, AU had invited citizens to submit questions for the candidates via online platforms. Here are some of the key questions directed at Kenya's Raila Odinga.

Adani Deals

Odinga, a vocal critic of questionable government deals, has yet to comment on allegations of fraud involving the Indian conglomerate Adani, currently under investigation in the U.S. 

Previously, he supported Adani's controversial dealings in Kenya.

Many Kenyans now want to know his stance on the issue and his plans to address corruption in Africa.

“Why did he support handing over East Africa’s largest airport, JKIA, to Adani, despite Kenyans rejecting the move? How will he handle corruption if elected?” social media user Dominic Waziri posed. 

Election Protests

Odinga, who has unsuccessfully contested Kenya’s presidency five times, is known for organising nationwide protests after elections, often citing claims of vote rigging.

Kenyans are questioning his ability to foster peace in Africa and whether he will accept defeat if he loses the AUC election.

“Why did he never accept election results in Kenya, inciting violence that led to deaths, especially in 2008? How can he unite Africa if he can’t unite Kenya?” asked Lucy Ambati.

Peter Mumo added: “Is Raila Odinga prepared to accept the AUC election results in February 2025, given his history of rejecting election outcomes?”

Abductions

The recent abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Kenya has raised concerns about the safety of opposition figures. 

Odinga, a long-time opposition leader himself, has not addressed these incidents.

“How will opposition leaders feel safe in their own countries when Kenya has become a hotbed for foreign abductions?” wondered Edward Otieno.

Kibera Slums

Odinga served as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata constituency, which includes Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, from 1992 to 2013. Critics question why he failed to improve the living conditions in the area.

“For 21 years, you represented a constituency with unique features like an airport, a game park, and the largest slum in Africa. Yet, Kibera remains underdeveloped. Why?” Okara Maranga posed. 

Others drew comparisons between Kibera and Africa’s overall economic potential, noting that despite abundant resources, the continent remains plagued by poverty.

Tackling Instability

Kenyans are also seeking Odinga’s vision for addressing political instability and extremism across Africa.

“What measures will you propose to strengthen democratic governance and accountability, especially given recent instability in African member states?” asked one citizen.

John Ngoka added: “With rising threats from extremist groups and intercommunal conflicts in regions like the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, what role should the AU play in promoting security and stability?”

Concerns About Age

Some have questioned whether Odinga, at 79, is the right candidate for the job.

“How will an old man solve 90 percent of the problems affecting the youth?” one social media user asked.

The  debate is expected to provide a platform for Odinga and his competitors to address these pressing concerns.