Kiambu Senator questions why Uhuru was not considered for AU Commission job

Karungo, during the burial service of former DIG King'ori Mwangi at his home in Tetu, Nyeri County on Saturday, seemingly fronted the fact that Uhuru hails from the same region as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hence the need to show him support instead of the opposition leader.

"I have heard that the country is supporting Raila Odinga and then I asked myself you want us to choose this person (Raila) when our Uhuru is here?" he posed.

This comes after the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party announced on Saturday that they will throw their weight behind Odinga's stab at the AUC chairperson seat.

“We welcome Raila’s decision to take up the AU position...Raila is an African luminary...He deserves the position based on his contribution to the continent, and will immensely contribute to African unity,” UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said.

"Raila has proved himself as a true Pan-Africanist. When Africa was going through dictatorship, Raila was there to condemn it...he adds up to Africa’s great sons, and played a big role in African democracy.”

The opposition leader officially announced that he is ready to contest for the job after holding a myriad of consultations with his friends prior to dropping the bombshell.

"I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent. I'm ready yes to go for the chairmanship of the African Union," said Odinga.

Odinga's announcement has since made the political scene jittery as many have questioned on whether he will permanently exit Kenya's politics.

His supporters have however maintained that he will still be present in the nation's political scene.

The AUC chairperson seat will fall vacant next year as its current occupant, Chad's Moussa Faki, is set to finish his two-term at the position.

Faki was first appointed in 2017 and won a second term in 2021.