On Sunday, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga made the threat to withdraw his candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Talking in Dubai, the Azimio pioneer uncovered that should the journey to acquire political steadiness in Kenya not be productive, he would exit the competition to seat the mainland body.
He was quoted as saying, “If this is being used to manipulate me at the expense of the quest for a better and stable country, I am ready to forego my AUC ambitions for the sake of my country.” Raila also said that he was offended by reports that he had been bribed by the Kenya Kwanza administration to support a government of national unity.
The statement came a few minutes after the former Prime Minister said that he would not talk to President William Ruto’s administration until justice was served for the young Kenyans who died during the anti-government protests.
The Azimio Leader stated that the rumors that he was being coerced into supporting Ruto’s government in exchange for lobbying for the AUC top seat were untrue.
According to Raila Odinga, individuals who wanted to sow division within the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition spread the rumors that he was being bribed with an AUC seat.
“The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false,” he was quoted as saying. Rumors that there were divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a result of his decision to speak with the Kenya Kwanza administration were further dispelled by the Azimio Leader, who also serves as the Leader of the ODM Party.
Raila had been criticized by a group of ODM leaders led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who said that the decision to talk to Ruto’s government was a betrayal of those who died during protests against the Finance Bill.
On Friday, July 19, Orengo stated, “We cannot at a time when we are mourning our people and some are scrambling for positions, this cannot happen.”
In an obvious shift in perspective, Raila concurred with Lead representative James Orengo commenting that he wouldn’t take part in government-started talks until a fair consequence was given for the survivors of police fierceness.
