'I will work for both Africa and Kenya,' Raila assures supporters on AU Commission job

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has once again come out to assure his supporters that he will still be lurking around the Kenyan political scene even if his Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship bid is successful.

Speaking in Kibra Constituency on Saturday during a groundbreaking tuition block construction visit at the Raila Education Centre, Mr. Odinga assured Kenyans citizens that he can concurrently serve both the African continent and the nation.

The opposition boss went on to state that whenever Kenyans need him, he will respond to their call.

“I will be around here. I am not going to be away. I will work for the continent of Africa but, at the same time, work for Kenya. I can be able to scale the stairs and chew the gum at the same time,” asserted Raila.

“When the time comes and you need me, I will respond to your call.”

Mr. Odinga’s remarks come a week after he dismissed claims that his AUC candidacy would ultimately equate to his exit from Kenyan politics, citing the proximity of the commission’s headquarters in Addis Ababa to Nairobi.

"I am not going away. Addis Ababa is only 2 hours away from Nairobi. I am available, whenever I am called, I will answer. I am ready to work with you people," he said then.

Additionally, the Azimio chief stressed the importance of quality education, especially among the youth, saying they are “the engine for wealth creation in the society.”

He went on to cite major challenges in the education sector such as examination cheating and capitation, calling on the government to address the sad issues.

“Education is very fundamental in our country. Without proper education, no nation can prosper,” he said.

“If the youth are empowered with quality education they become the engine for wealth creation in the society. This is a challenge to the present government. It is very unfortunate that today we still have issues of capitation and examination cheating.”