Ida Odinga, the wife of Azimio leader Raila Odinga has revealed that the opposition leader has already made preparations for his exit in Kenyan politics if he gets the African Union chairmanship position.
While speaking at a public function in Suba South Constituency, Ida said that Raila confided in him about his succession and was confident that everything would continue smoothly.
Ida said that the Azimio leader had already trained and mentored so many young men and women who would confidently take over from him, adding that there would be no chaos.
She singled out ODM National Chairperson John Mbadi who was among the congregation questioning whether Raila had not mentored him enough for him to take over when he left.
“He is a Kenyan and not the first one to seek employment abroad. He has told me that he has things in order and has already made plans. He has many fierce sons and daughters and even if he is not in Kenya, those sons will be around. Mbadi am I lying?
“All these years baba has been training and mentoring you, do you still need more training? Aren’t you ready enough? I will leave that there, that is where Baba’s heart rests. I don’t want to say too much, I haven’t said anything, I have only touched on something small.
Also Read: Raila’s Visit to Germany Rekindles Debate Over His Academic Qualifications
UDA and Other Politicians Support Raila for AU Job
On February 17, The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) declared support for Raila’s bid for the position indicating that he played a significant role in the fight against imperialism across the African continent making him the best man for Africa’s top job.
In a statement, UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala described the opposition chief as a luminary in African politics, adding that he deserves to be the next AUC chairperson given his vast experience in an array of fields.
“The right Honorable Raila Odinga is undoubtable an African luminary of unmatched capability. We join many across the continent in restating that Honorable Odinga deserved the AU chairmanship given his distinguished accolades and contribution to the social political landscape of the East African Region and Africa as a whole,” said Malala.
At the same time, the Azimio coalition endorsed Raila for the position making an appeal to the East African Community (EAC) members to back the bid.
Also Read: UDA Takes Stance on Raila’s Bid for AU Job
“We call on all our compatriots to give bipartisan support and ensure that Mr. Odinga’s bid is successful. Mr. Odinga’s win will be a win for Kenya, the region and the continent,” Azimio noted.
Additionally, Raila received support from various leaders including the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
Odinga Announced Bid for the Position
On February 15, the Azimio leader declared his bid to vie for the Chairmanship role of the African Union Commission (AUC), while being endorsed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Azimio leader explained that he was the best man for the job because he had consulted widely and was well informed on what Africa needed.
According to him, Africa could be an ever-greater continent if the member states brought together their resources for the good of every nation.
“If we marshal our resources as a continent, pull in one direction, then we can be able to make Africa greater.
“I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” he explained.
