'I will not actively participate in Kenyan politics,' Raila says on AUC bid

Speaking on Wednesday after being hosted by Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi at his Railways office in Nairobi, Odinga emphasized that his focus would soon shift to continental affairs, leaving him with little time for Kenyan politics.

He noted, however, that Kenyan politics will continue despite his absence from the political arena.

"You know that I will begin working for the continent once I am elected in February next year. At the moment, I am involved in the campaigns, but that does not mean that Kenya will cease to exist," said Odinga.

"I will not be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I shift my attention to the continental campaigns. It is a transitional phase from active participation in Kenyan politics to a focus on African continental politics."

The Opposition leader's remarks come as the government prepares to formally launch Odinga’s bid for the AUC Chairmanship next week.

Mudavadi, who also expressed support for Odinga, announced that President William Ruto would formally launch the former Prime Minister's bid for the 2025 AUC Chairmanship on Monday, August 27.

"Next week, on August 27, 2024, President William Ruto will formally launch the candidacy of the Kenyan candidate for the AUC Chairmanship, Raila Odinga," said Mudavadi.

"As you are aware, the government dispatched a high-level delegation led by Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir Sing'Oei, along with Raila's strategy team. They officially submitted the application to the office of the legal counsel of the African Union through the Dean of the Eastern Region."

The Azimio leader will be competing against Djibouti’s candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a late entrant from Mauritius, and another candidate from Madagascar.

If successful, Odinga will succeed the outgoing Chairperson, Moussa Faki, who hails from Chad.