An ODM party official has launched a scathing attack on the critics of Raila Odinga, the party leader and former prime minister of Kenya, over his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Philip Etale, the ODM’s Communications Director, accused some of Raila’s political rivals, such as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, of spreading lies to the public that they could sway the outcome of the election. Etale said that Raila had the support of many African leaders, who had endorsed his candidacy for the continental leadership position.
“We all know it is the government of Kenya to propose @RailaOdinga for the candidacy of the AUC Chairperson. But this should not make his haters like NA Speaker @Hon Moses Wetangula and others make lie to the public that they can marshal support for him. Baba has networks and he will do it even without akina Wetangula, Hon. Geoffrey Ruku of Mbeere, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and the likes of MP Reuben Kiborek of Mogotio,” Etale wrote on Twitter.
Etale’s remarks came days after Raila met with President William Ruto of Kenya, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria in Mombasa to discuss his AUC bid. Museveni reportedly agreed to back Raila and lobby for his support among other East African leaders.
Raila, who has contested for the presidency of Kenya five times without success, is seen as a veteran politician with vast experience and connections in Africa. He has served as a minister, a member of parliament and a mediator in various conflicts in the region. He is also the leader of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition, a political alliance that seeks to unite the country ahead of the 2022 general election.
The AUC chairperson is elected by the AU Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once. The current chairperson is Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who was elected in 2017 and is seeking a second term. The election is expected to take place in February 2024 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
