ODM calls crisis meeting after Raila’s AU Commission job bid bombshell
![ODM calls crisis meeting after Raila’s AU Commission job bid bombshell ODM calls crisis meeting after Raila’s AU Commission job bid bombshell](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/118736/conversions/Raila-og_image.webp)
Azimio leader Raila Odinga addresses the nation following the announcement of the presidential election results in Nairobi on August 16, 2022. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
The
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called a crisis meeting to chart the way
forward after party boss Raila Odinga’s surprise announcement this week of his
bid for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson.
If
endorsed for the seat, Mr. Odinga will technically
be edged out of Kenya's political landscape and the next General Election since
he will be required to serve in the position until 2028.
Mr. Odinga will also only retain his rights to vote in Kenya as a
citizen but his hands will be tied and he will not take part in active politics.
Speaking in Migori County’s Suna East constituency on Friday,
area Member of Parliament and ODM’s Director of Elections Junet Mohamed said
the party is now slated to convene to forge a path forward on the
future of the political outfit.
Mohamed,
one of the closest Mr. Odinga allies, noted that the meeting will take
place when the party boss returns to Kenya from his ongoing Germany trip.
He
however allayed fears that Mr. Odinga’s AU Commission bid in any way weakens
his political power in Kenya or softens his grip on the ODM party leadership
roster, adding that neither will it weaken the opposition political outfit.
The
legislator subsequently characterised the ODM honcho as a strategic thinker who plans
his moves in advance, further underscoring that the former premiere
strategically positioned himself before announcing his aspirations for the continental
position.
“Kuna
mkutano ya chama imeitishwa na itatoa mwelekeo vile tutaenda. ODM ni chama
kubwa na Raila aende AU ama aende EU, yeye atabaki kiongozi yetu hapa Kenya.
Walio na wasiwasi wakome," said Mohamed.
“Yule
mzee ni mchoraji...amechora kila kitu. Amechora vile atakuwa AU, ODM na vile
Kenya itaendelea...amechora yote, Hakuna mtu anatoshana na yeye hapa Afrika na
hakuna mtu amesaidia Waafrika kushinda Raila."
Mohamed’s
remarks were echoed by ODM National Chairperson John Mbadi, who emphasized that
even if Mr. Odinga were to assume the AU Commissionrole, the party will remain
robust in all matters Kenyan politics.
Mbadi
further underscored that the former premiere's influence within the party will
continue being significant even if he secures the job.
"Raila's
stature and position in Africa is well documented. He has the capacity and competence
to take up that leadership but that does not affect the position of ODM," said
the Nominated MP.
"Our
leader is Raila Odinga and whatever he says goes...whether he is chair or
not."
If
he secures the AU Commission top seat, Mr. Odinga will be tasked with enforcing
the regional bloc's financial regulations, chair all commission meetings and
deliberations, popularize the AU's objectives, submit reports to the assembly,
executive council and permanent member states as well as act as a depository
for all AU treaties and legal instruments.
The
AU Commission Chair post likewise elevates the holder to a near head of state
with the office holder being a key player in major international happenings,
including elections, conflicts and development, not only in Africa but
globally.
A
document seen by Citizen TV on the code of conduct for office holders suggests
that Mr. Odinga will be forced to take a back seat in Kenya's politics and
engage a neutral gear in political contests across Africa.
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