Opinion: Is Raila Odinga’s new AU job search a trapdoor from the political arena?

Kenya’s Former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga on Thursday last week made an unexpected move when he announced that he had bid for the position of Africa Union Commission Chair.

The decision has been welcomed by leaders from different political affiliations, those in government and opposition.

If Odinga takes the seat, he will miss out on the 2027 State House race as he will be halfway through his tenure.

With the government also announcing to rally behind Raila’s bid fully, this has been perceived as the suitable and respected method to get the political enigma out of the political class.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party that also forms the ruling coalition Kenya Kwanza through its Secretary General Cleophas Malala said that the former prime minister deserves the chairmanship post considering he is a leader who has received recognition and an ovation from leaders across East Africa and Africa at large.

“The Right Honourable Raila Odinga is undoubtedly an African luminary of unmatched capability. We join many across the continent in restating that Honourable Raila deserved the AU Chairmanship given his distinguished accolades and contribution to the social-political landscape of the East Africa Region and Africa as a whole,” Malala said.

The former Nigeria president who is also the current AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, endorsed Raila’s candidature, saying he will help streamline the continental body.

“The AU, if it will serve the purpose that it is meant to serve, requires the right people at the right time. We need a person who has experience, who understands the situation we are in, who comes from a background that can make a difference, I have no doubt in my mind that my friend could be the right candidate.”

Raila who now has full support from Kenya’s government as per one of the requirements needed when eying for AUC chair will have to intensify his efforts to get the required 34 votes from member states.

Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Guinea however will not partake in voting since they are currently serving a suspension unless they are reinstated.