‘Don’t Write Me Off!’ – Raila Declares On Kenya’s Politics
Despite his desire to run for Chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC), former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stated that he will remain involved in local politics.
The comment was intended to caution political leaders who were eager to succeed him.
He spoke on Sunday at Ligisa Secondary School in Homa Bay County at a Thanksgiving event for Gladys Wanga, the new ODM party Chair.
He advised Kenyans not to count him out of Kenyan politics, claiming that running for the AUC seat does not exclude him from Kenyan politics, even though he expressed confidence in his chances of winning the seat.
“I am confident of winning the AUC seat, but that should not make anybody write me off in local politics,” Odinga said.
Raila Odinga~I am confident of winning the AUC seat but that should not make anybody to write me off in local politics. pic.twitter.com/W9r6nDT9uT
— LOOK UP TV (@lookuptv) November 11, 2024
He said that ODM grassroots elections would be held on November 27 and would take place inside, constituencies, counties, and at the national level.
Odinga compared the party elections to a friendly match that should not be confrontational, encouraging ODM supporters to vote but to avoid harsh political rhetoric.
“I want all ODM members to consider the forthcoming ODM grassroots elections as a friendly match,” Odinga said.
“If one is defeated, please shake hands with the person who has defeated you. Don’t take it as a do-or-die contest.”
The ODM leader promised that the polls would be transparent.
“The people who are going to conduct the election are not going to come from Nairobi or anywhere else but from their localities. They will conduct the election transparently,” Odinga said.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed also cautioned lawmakers from attempting to succeed Odinga, claiming that the ODM still regarded Odinga as its leader.
“Anybody is allowed to express interest in any seat other than that of the party leader,” Mohammed said.
“We are aware of some politicians making attempts to succeed Odinga. We will fight them to the bitter end,” Mohammed said.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga also stated that Odinga’s position was not up for grabs.
“Raila is the only party leader we know. Let us work together towards strengthening this party to enable us to achieve our political objectives,” she said.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati Simba Arati said that the ODM will field a presidential candidate in 2027.
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“I urge those in leadership positions to work hard to strengthen the party. We will have candidates for all the elective seats from the presidency to MCA level across the country in the next General Election,” Arati said.
Anyang’ Nyong’o, the acting head of the ODM Party, has urged party officials to recruit large numbers of members.
“Let us all put our energies in membership registration to strengthen the party,” Nyong’o said.
Raila ‘Exits Local Politics’
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 21, 2024
Raila Odinga says he is taking a back seat on local politics
Raila says he is transitioning to continental politics
President Ruto to launch Raila bid as Kenya’s AUC bid next week#JKLive @KoinangeJeff pic.twitter.com/d9eG0dVnqD
Odinga was also accompanied by Hamilton Orata, Chairman of the Homa Bay County ODM party, 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), and Senator Beatrice Ogola.
‘Don’t Write Me Off!’ – Raila Declares On Kenya’s Politics
