Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has finally spoken out following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, expressing gratitude for the support he received and signaling a strong political comeback.
Appreciation for Support
Speaking at State House, Mombasa, on Monday after meeting with President William Ruto, Raila reflected on his campaign journey, dismissed claims of extravagant spending, and hinted at his next political move.
“I am delighted to be back home. You see, East, West, North, and South—home is best. I feel very happy and delighted to be back in Kenya after what we went through. I want to thank everybody—you, the President, the Deputy President, the ministers, leaders, and Kenyans generally who travelled with us,” he said.
Raila also expressed deep appreciation to President Ruto for his support, clarifying that his decision to contest for the AUC chair was entirely personal.
“I want to thank my younger brother Ruto, who stood by me. He never asked me to run; he only came after I made the announcement,” Raila stated.
Debunking Ksh13 Billion Campaign Claims
Raila dismissed reports alleging that his campaign cost taxpayers Ksh13 billion, terming the claims as baseless and exaggerated.
“Some people say Ksh13 billion was spent on the Raila campaign. I don’t know which world they live in. A billion shillings for what?” he questioned.
He clarified that the expenses incurred were primarily for travel and logistics, ensuring his team could engage with African leaders effectively.
“We were not living luxuriously. We ate what we were given, and many countries generously provided accommodation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was available 24/7, and other government departments helped arrange meetings. I want to thank my brother for this support,” he added.
A Journey of Transformation Across Africa
Reflecting on his campaign experience, Raila described the process as enlightening, saying it deepened his understanding of Africa’s challenges and opportunities.
“This was an enterprise that was an eye-opener. It gave us an opportunity to understand our continent better. We now know the challenges that face our continent. I had the privilege of meeting over 40 presidents in their own capitals,” he stated.
Despite not securing the AUC chairmanship, Raila emphasized that the journey was a personal victory, providing valuable insights and strengthening his connections across Africa.
What’s Next for Raila?
With the AUC race behind him, Raila is now setting his sights on the future. He announced plans to consult with his ODM party and supporters before revealing his next political move.
“I am going to consult widely, and in due course, we will announce our way forward,” he said.
As speculation grows over his next steps, Raila’s remarks suggest that he is gearing up for a renewed political campaign, potentially setting the stage for a major shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
