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.
