Expectations, political realities as Raila carves out path to AUC chair

Raila Odinga during his AUC bid launch at State House, Nairobi. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

President Ruto's nomination of Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on Tuesday marks the beginning of a complex diplomatic effort within the continent's geopolitics. As a nation, we should unite in offering goodwill and prayers for his success.

However, as individual citizens, that's all we can do; the rest is up to the President to secure the seat. It’s important for Kenyans, especially Raila's core supporters, to manage their expectations.

The outcome has little to do with the welfare of Kenyans but rather the personal benefits Raila stands to gain and the political capital President Ruto may earn domestically. Notably, there are shifting dynamics in Luo Nyanza's local politics. The Kenya Kwanza visit to the Western and Nyanza regions has been strategically timed to coincide with Raila's sabbatical from local politics.