By Anderson Ojwang
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga finds himself in a more conflicting situation than even his defeat in Addis Ababa for the African Union Commission chairman seat.
After a gruelling campaign and election, all eyes are now on Raila’s next political move, as various political blocs scramble for his support.
President William Ruto’s administration is still convinced of Raila’s support for a broad-based government following his speech in Addis, where he declared that the President gave him all the requisite logistical support he needed.
“There will not be a lot of blame game. Baba did not do as much as was expected because he was too old. Ruto just wanted to humiliate Baba; he was not genuine in saying he was supporting him. I made the decision by myself and announced that I wanted to run for this position myself. Ruto only came and said he was going to support me.
I want to say that President Ruto did everything possible. He gave me all the logistical support we needed, enabling me to travel across the continent. He made appointments for me to meet all the leaders of the continent. Actually, we were sure of a win. As I have said, other factors came into play. It is not time for lamentation,” he said.
Raila’s party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is facing an unending battle over the broad-based government, with one wing led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna opposing cooperation with President Ruto.
However, the wing led by National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga supports the broad-based government.
Sifuna told Raila at a funeral in Siaya that all was not well and that he had been accused of criticising the government.
“I want to say here that some of our members are busy drinking milk in the government but do not want us to point out the bad things in it. As your Secretary-General, I will not hesitate to highlight the wrongs in the government.
I will ensure that the party remains true to the ideals it was founded on, and I will follow the guidelines you gave me.
Let those who are enjoying honey from the government do so on their own accord, but as a party, I will not hesitate to point out its ills,” he said.
Recently, after the election, he wrote on his X handle: “My Boss. My mentor. My Friend. My leader. You still have a home. Come back. We still love you. We are proud of you. Nothing has changed.”
Wanga, in her response, said, “Jakom, a time like this last year, we were on the streets protesting for a better Kenya, but we were told that we were destroying the country’s economy and should desist from demonstrations.
They wondered and asked why we were always protesting. Now they are asking why Raila is quiet, why Wanga is silent.
I want to tell them, we are not going to the streets. We are not holding any demonstrations. We are not going to talk. Jakom, remain quiet.
We did our part. I even challenged the police to shoot me in those days. Where were they? Our people were killed then, and they kept their silence.”
Ruto, speaking to Kenya’s delegation in Addis, expressed his disappointment with the outcome and said:
“As you know, this setup was meant for celebration. You can all see. But I would not be telling the truth if I didn’t say I am disappointed. I am.
But I am disappointed in two things. I am disappointed that Raila Odinga did not win the AUC seat because he was the best candidate. And I have a regret—for Africa—that they missed an opportunity to be served by one of the finest leaders on our continent.
Having said that, I have three things that I am proud of. Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could put forward.
He was available whenever I booked an appointment; he was there. Whenever he had to travel, he was there. Whether it was early morning or late evening, he was there. He was there all the way.
As a candidate, I want to tell you, as a politician, I have supported many candidates. On this AUC bid, Tinga exceeded all expectations. In fact, many people were wondering—even those who initially complained about his age. In fact, the President of Tanzania, Suluhu, asked me, ‘What have you given Raila that he has become a young man?’, because he exhibited a lot of energy and drove the campaign as it should have been done.
You did not let us down, irrespective of the outcome.”
However, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had appealed to Raila before the elections, saying that should he fail to win, he should join the opposition to liberate the country from Ruto’s regime.
“If Raila loses, let him come back, and we will liberate Kenya from Ruto’s administration,” he said.
After the election, he added, “The loss has brought embarrassment to Kenya’s image. I place the blame on Ruto, who was the chief campaigner. He had his own agenda—that if he took Raila to the AUC seat, he would have an easier time in Kenya. We demand a real explanation.”
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also echoed Kalonzo’s sentiments and wrote on his X handle:
“Africa needed you most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya—your motherland—indeed we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as our coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness.
In any case, the outcome at the AU does not, in any way, undermine your leadership and your energy to fix our nation.
Welcome back home, our son Raila Odinga, with your head held high. East or West, home is best.”
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi was more blunt, writing, “Nyeri residents celebrating Raila’s loss at the AU is the lowest they can go in their unexplained hate for him. Baba will punish you by supporting Ruto’s re-election! What kind of hatred is that, surely?”
Homa Bay MP Opondo Kaluma wrote on his X handle:
“A good strategist is one who transforms weaknesses into opportunities and threats into challenges.
FORD was a movement converted into a political party, and so was ODM. The AUC campaign should be converted into a political force to transform Kenya.
Kenyans have experienced historical injustices where one section of society has dominated the public service, political, and economic landscape for 63 years.
They are modern-day ‘colonial powers.’ They feel entitled and use their politically acquired wealth to fight any president who ascends to the presidency who is not their own or who refuses to be used by them to secure the ethnic exclusion of fellow Kenyans.
Raila needs to join Ruto and assist him in dismantling this oppressive system.”
