Ruto to Help Raila Get a Job That Will Not Allow Him to Vie in 2027

Reports indicate that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga are contemplating running for a significant African Union (AU) position set to be available next year.

Both key figures in the Azimio movement, they aspire to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki as the next AU Commission chairperson.

There are speculations that Uhuru may have agreed to withdraw in favor of Raila, who relies on his international connections for securing the position.

However, any candidate vying for the top AU position requires endorsement from member states, implying that the potential candidature of either Raila or Uhuru would need the approval of President William Ruto’s administration.

Ruto’s support for Raila could reshape Kenya’s political landscape, potentially resembling a political “handshake” and influencing Raila’s role in the 2027 presidential race, leading to new political alignments.

It’s essential to note that AU chairpersons are expected to maintain neutrality in political contests across the continent.

Reports suggest that an agreement for Raila’s succession may have been established in July of the previous year, involving bipartisan discussions mediated by international figures like former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Raila had previously mentioned involvement from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu.

When questioned, Raila’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, stated that he is unaware of any plans to nominate Raila as the country’s representative.

If the plans materialize, Raila’s candidacy would require endorsement from his former ally-turned-critic, Musalia Mudavadi, the current Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs head.

A former high-ranking official from Uhuru’s administration revealed to the Star that, despite fitting the criteria, the former head of state has not been approached by the current government on this matter.