Sifuna rubbishes claims of Raila retiring from politics amid AU Commission job bid

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has allayed concerns of party leader Raila Odinga retiring from active Kenyan politics after the latter on Thursday formally announced his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson job.

The Nairobi Senator, in a subsequent press address, rubbished claims of Mr. Odinga exiting the arena as he reiterated that the opposition chief’s political journey is still long.

He recalled Mr. Odinga’s recent AU gig as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, noting that he was at the time still multitasking as the opposition leader.

“As the ODM Secretary General, I want to thank my party leader Odinga for the interest in AU leadership. I don’t think there will be any political effect on matters ODM or how we conduct our party affairs,” stated Sifuna.

“It is not the first time Odinga has assumed roles at the AU, after the 2017 General Election he was elected as head of infrastructure development in Africa for the AU.”

He added: “I don’t see any problem or any difference in ODM or national politics…Baba atasalia kukuwa Baba, and you will continue seeing him giving his opinion on key national issues.”

The outspoken lawmaker went on to allege that Mr. Odinga’s critics are only pushing the narrative of his retirement since they know he cannot be easily replaced in the political space.

Sifuna hailed Mr. Odinga as a seasoned politician saying his presence will continue to be felt in party leadership and other critical national issues.

“He has done the assignment before, I don’t see any difference between now and his past roles at AU. I also don’t see why someone should think that the 2018 and 2022 period are different,” added the Senator.

“Raila ako na uzito katika siasa zetu za Kenya na kuna wale ambao wangetaka kuona mgongo wake siasani sababu ni waoga na wanajua uzito wake. I know there are those scared and wishing that he bows out of the political arena, so we want to assure them that Baba is here and is not going anywhere.”

The former premier on Wednesday expressed his interest in the AU top job, saying that he had a myriad of consultations with his friends prior to the decision.

"Should the leadership of Africa want my services I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent. I'm ready yes to go for the chairmanship of the African Union," said Mr. Odinga in a press address flanked by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.