Savula tells Raila to drop AUC bid: ‘Remain so we can solve Kenya’s problems with you’

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula wants former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to drop his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

Speaking on Sunday in Mumias, Kakamega County, Savula said Odinga should instead support President William Ruto’s efforts to create a cohesive administration in the wake of nationwide anti-government protests which have seen him embark on the constitution of a fresh Cabinet.

“Pray for Raila Odinga so that he does not leave the country. Kenya is bigger than the position Raila is going for at the AU,” Savula told the clergy during a church service at ASK Mumias.

“Please remain here so that we can solve the country’s problems with you. We want to streamline Kenya and there is no need to go to Ethiopia and leave Kenya burning.”

Odinga has in recent days joined Ruto for national dialogues towards an inclusive government in the wake of the deadly protests which initially began as a result of tax hike proposals in the 2024 Finance Bill.

Ruto proposed the six-day multi-sectoral dialogue to start on July 15.

It has however never kicked off amid uncertainty over where it will happen and who will attend, even as the opposition remains split on the matter.

The youth-led anti-government protests meanwhile continue, with calls for President Ruto to resign.

On Sunday, Odinga said he would not engage in the national dialogue as “justice must come before talks.”

In a letter to the Kenyan youth on Sunday, he pledged solidarity and said he won’t take part in the proposed talks until every victim of police brutality during the demos is compensated, all protest-related cases are dropped, and all abductees and those jailed are freed, among other conditions.

In the meantime, Ruto’s government previously created a campaign secretariat to work with Odinga to cement his AUC chairperson bid.

Among the other regional heads of state who have endorsed Odinga are Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

The Kenyan opposition leader seeks to succeed Chad's Moussa Faki, who is set to finish his second term next year.

If Odinga clinches the job he will serve from 2025 to 2028.