I'm now the official opposition leader, Kalonzo says amid Raila's AUC bid

According to Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, there will be no power vacuum in the coalition because Kalonzo, the coalition's second most senior politician, will take over automatically.

"There is no vacuum in Azimio. Kalonzo is the 2nd highest ranking member. He takes over," Wamalwa said. 

"You are either with Okoa Ruto, or operation okoa Zakayo or you are with the Kenyans, if you support the Kenyan constituition and you want it implemented, join us."

Despite his support for Raila's AUC chairmanship bid, Kalonzo stated that he did not attend the bid's launch at State House in order to demonstrate his status as the official opposition leader.

"I'm not at State House today, because I want to show you I'm the official opposition leader," Kalonzo told the media. 

"Azimio will not dissolve."

Earlier on Tuesday, the Azimio coalition supported Raila's bid, which was launched at the State House in the presence of dignitaries and several African heads of state.

In a statement to the media, the coalition cited Odinga's extensive political experience, commitment to Pan-African ideals, and track record of conflict resolution as key reasons for its support.

Azimio la Umoja described Odinga's candidature as a source of pride for both Kenya and the continent as a whole, and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the African Union to greater peace, stability, and prosperity.

"We are donating to Africa and the world our best and most renowned leader," the statement said, emphasising the coalition's belief that Odinga's leadership would significantly contribute to Africa's development and unity.

Four senior African politicians from Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, and Mauritius have declared their candidature for the African Union's top post.

The pan-continental body, which has 55 member states, will hold elections at its February summit to select a successor to Moussa Faki Mahamat as chair of the African Union Commission.

This year's role is reserved for an East African representative to replace Faki, a Chadian veteran politician who has been in office since 2017.

The African Union announced four candidates: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Odinga of Kenya, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, and Anil Gayan of Mauritius.