Details have emerged regarding Raila Odinga’s closed-door meeting with top officials of his ODM party during a working retreat at the Coast last weekend. The Star has learned that Raila took the opportunity to discuss the implications of his candidacy for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The elections for this prestigious continental role are set for February 2025, but concerns have arisen within ODM that his absence could negatively impact the party’s fortunes. Members of the National Executive Council, the party’s primary decision-making body, raised questions about the potential consequences of Raila’s anticipated absence.
Raila has expressed his interest in the AUC role and has garnered support from the government, with President William Ruto championing his candidacy. However, the prospect of Raila leaving local politics for continental responsibilities has caused unease among ODM members, who fear a leadership vacuum could diminish the party’s influence.
He has already announced his intention to step back from local politics to pursue opportunities on the continental stage. Some ODM stalwarts are particularly worried about the party’s involvement in the 2027 presidential elections should Raila secure the AUC position.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 elections and whether he would run for president, Raila stated, “I am around just taking a break to serve the continent.” Although he did not explicitly confirm his candidacy for a seventh time, his remarks left his supporters with dwindling hopes, especially amid fears that he might back President William Ruto.
Raila clarified that the formation of a broad-based government does not imply ODM’s alignment with the government or support for Ruto in 2027. Recently, he made significant changes to ODM’s leadership by appointing three deputy party leaders: Governors Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir, and Godfrey Osotsi of Vihiga. Additionally, Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga was named the National Chairperson, succeeding John Mbadi, who has joined the Cabinet as the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury.
In light of these developments, Raila convened a two-day retreat for ODM’s National Executive Council members to address their concerns and to endorse the new leadership. The meeting was also crucial for welcoming the new NEC members while Raila used the opportunity to share his vision for the party’s future.
