African Union Commission chairperson candidate Raila Odinga at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s failure to capture the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has been morphed into a contest pitting allies of President William Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
While Mr Gachagua and his allies called on Mr Odinga to “come back and redirect his energy in fixing the nation”, Dr Ruto’s supporters dismissed the call as “misplaced”, saying the two would remain united “for the sake of development and unity” on the nation.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Mr Odinga to continue working closely with President Ruto in uniting the country, saying by Kenya losing its AUC bid, the country came out strong having won the support of 20 African countries.
"We urge the President and the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to continue working together in uniting the country just like we worked for the AU seat," DP Kindiki said.
He spoke Sunday in Imenti South, Meru County, during the inauguration of Methodist Church Nkubu Synod Bishop Stephen Mawira.
Recklessness
Mr Gachagua while “congratulating” the opposition leader for “coming an incredible second” said though Africa needed his input, he was much needed at home.
"Africa needed you but God in His wisdom found that Kenya, your beloved motherland and indeed we Kenyans have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness," the former DP posted on his official social media platforms.
However, in a quick rejoinder, Mathira MP Mr Eric wa Mumbi, a close ally of President Ruto, said “we are back home, and we have a country to take care of. Now, the focus is on delivering to the people. We have many things to do before the next General Election,” he said in a text message to Nation.Africa.
He went on: “In every election, there is always a winner and a loser. Raila lost, but that is not the end of life. There are people, some of them from my village (read Mr Gachagua) who hoped that Raila would come back and join them in distracting the government. They are lost…”
“Raila and William Ruto will take the country to the next level. Those focusing on politics will do it alone, and the duo will focus on delivery.”
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba, a close ally of Mr Gachagua faulted the way the campaigns to have Mr Odinga take over the AUC chair were conducted, arguing the outcome was a clear vote of no confidence on President William Ruto by African heads of State, sentiments that were shared by former Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru.
"I saw Raila losing when I saw over 100 MPs, senators and governors clumped in a hotel to sing "Bado Mapambano". This intimidated diplomats in a process that required soft diplomacy and not shouting.”
“This loss is a clear vote of no confidence by African presidents. President Ruto has kept Raila busy in episode one. Let's wait for episode two in style," Ms Wa Muchomba wrote on her social media platforms.
Ms Waruguru said "the earlier Mr Odinga abandons President Ruto to fight his own battles and not become a project of anyone, the better. It's high time to redeem himself from being labelled as a leader who vies for positions not to win but to trade.”
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thangw'a, another ally of the former deputy president, said Mr Odinga fought a good fight in his efforts to clinch the AU seat but his association with President Ruto cost him the seat.
"You gave it your best. But know this, you are not the problem. Now come back home and remember you have the majority MPs in Parliament," Mr Wa Thangw'a wrote on his X Space page.
A section of residents in Laikipia and Kirinyaga shared similar sentiments, saying Mr Odinga is needed more at home to liberate the country from misrule by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
High taxes
They said Kenyans were suffering due to high taxes on essential commodities, and pegged their hopes on Mr Odinga as their saviour by being more aggressive and ensuring Kenyans are no longer oppressed.
"The Kenya Kwanza government has imposed heavy taxes on essential commodities and Mr Odinga can force President Ruto to lower them for the benefit of Kenyans," said Mr Pius Njogu, a resident of Kutus’ Kirinyaga County.
The residents also said that corruption is rife in the country and Mr Odinga was best placed to speak about it.
"Corruption is being felt in all sectors of the economy and there is no development which is taking place in our country. Mr Odinga should take on the government," Mr Joseph Kimani, a Nyeri resident, said.
They also want the government to reveal the amount of money that was spent on Mr Odinga's campaign.
"We understand billions of shillings was used to campaign for Odinga. It was taxpayers' money and we should be told how much it was," Mr Kimani added.
However, Laikipia Jubilee Party Branch Secretary Thomas Gachara asked Mr Odinga to stick with President Ruto and let other opposition leaders fight the ills bedevilling the country.
"We had wished him well in Addis Ababa, but since he did not win, let him not betray President Ruto by deserting him now after leading a vigorous campaign. We don't need him now, let him continue enjoying the benefits of associating with the Kenya Kwanza administration," Mr Gachara said.
On her part Wiper Party Laikipia county coordinator Joyce Wangui said time was ripe for Mr Odinga to redeem himself as a defender of good governance and human rights.
"We have suffered so much through abductions, enforced disappearances and over-taxation. Raila should now join the majority of Kenyans in condemning misrule by the Ruto administration," said Ms Wangui, who claimed she was a victim of violence meted on Kenyans at the height of Gen Z uprising in June last year.
Additional reporting by David Muchui
