Ruto will be in trouble if Raila fails to clinch AU seat – Senator Maanzo

According to the legislator, President Ruto must ensure that Odinga secures the seat at the AUC headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia lest he faces the wrath of his supporters.

"I think the president will be in a lot of trouble because every Kenyan will believe that he is the reason why Baba did not go to Addis Ababa," he said.

Maanzo noted that Ruto has to bear the bulk of lobbying for Odinga's candidacy to other African Heads of State to attract votes in favour of the long-time opposition leader.

"There are things he can do to make sure that Baba goes there. He should be getting in touch with the presidents."

Senator Maanzo: We are all wishing Raila Odinga well in the AUC bid but I find it we are counting our chickens before they hatch. President Ruto has quickly rushed to Nyanza but will be in a lot of trouble if Raila doesn’t get the bid. The money he (President Ruto) is using to… pic.twitter.com/4nHMSah6D2

Kenya officially endorsed Odinga for the top AU job on Tuesday as President Ruto expressed confidence in his competency to lead AUC owing to his illustrious leadership career.

On his part, Odinga has asserted that he is ready to take up the daring challenge and significantly transform the continent if he clinches the position.

He needs significant backing from both Anglophone and Francophone-speaking countries, who make up two-thirds of the member states of the AU, to secure the position and replace outgoing chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in 2025.

Odinga needs two-thirds of the votes, representing at least 32 countries of the 55 member states, to win.