Raila's sends mixed signals on local politics amid AUC campaigns

ODM leader Raila Odinga during thanks giving ceremony for the new ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga at Ligisa Secondary School, Homa Bay county. [James Omoro, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga has declared that he will not quit Kenyan politics despite eyeing the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.

Speaking at Ligisa Secondary School Sunday, when he attended a thanksgiving ceremony for the new ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Raila said vying for the AUC seat does not warrant anybody to count him out of Kenyan politics.

He expressed confidence of winning the AUC seat.

“I am committed to winning the AUC seat but that should not make people think that I am going there without coming back. I will be around,” he said.

Raila reiterated that ODM party remains strong and announced a programme for party grassroots elections scheduled for November 27.

The opposition chief said the grassroots election will be done from polling stations.

This will be followed by the ward, constituency, county and national elections give the party new officials.

Raila urged supporters to avoid ODM supporters to ensure peaceful elections.

He said that the party election is like a friendly match hence there should be no acrimony if one loses.

“I want all ODM members to consider the forthcoming ODM grassroots elections as a friendly match. If one is defeated, please shake hands with the person who has defeated you. Don’t take it as a do or die contest,” he said.

Raila assured supporters that the elections will be transparent.

He said the election officials will be picked from villages where the voters hail from.

“The people who are going to conduct the election are not going to come from Nairobi or anywhere far. These elections will be manned by members of your village whom you are familiar with. They will conduct the election transparently,” he said.

The ODM leader told leaders who will lose in the polls to join forces with the winners to strengthen the party.

National Assembly Minority Leader June Mohammed warned ODM politicians against plans to succeed Raila.

Junet argued that ODM still recognizes the former Prime Minister as its leader.

“As ODM members, anybody is allowed to express interest for any other seat but not that of the party leaders,” he said.

He warned of action against leaders scheming succession in ODM.

“We are aware some politicians making attempts to succeed Odinga. We will fight them to the bitter end,” Junet said.

ODM Chairperson Wanga warned that Raila’s post is not up for grabs.

She vowed to strengthen the party to achieve political abjectives.

“Raila is the only party leader we know. Let us work together towards strengthening this party to enable us to achieve our political objectives,” Wanga said.

ODM Deputy Party Leader who is also the Kisii Governor Simba Arati Simba Arati announced that the party will field a presidential candidate in 2027.

“Let everybody who has a position in ODM work hard in strengthening the party.  We will have candidates for all the elective seats from presidency to MCA across the country in the next General election,” Arati said.

The acting ODM leader and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o called on the party officials to register members.

“Let us all put our energy in membership registration to strengthen ODM,” Prof Nyong’o said.

Raila was accompanied by leaders including ODM acting chairman in Homa Bay County Hamilton Orata, Governors Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), James Orengo (Siaya), Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, her colleagues Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Eddy Oketch (Migori) Senators Beatrice  Ogola (Nominated).