Azimio Leader Raila Odinga, a candidate for the AUC Chairmanship, delivers a speech at a previous event. (Photo: Raila Odinga)
In Summary:
1) Raila Odinga threatens to withdraw from the AUC chairmanship race to prioritize political stability in Kenya.
2) Odinga denies allegations of being bribed to support a national unity government.
3) He refuses to engage in dialogue with President Ruto’s administration until justice is served for those killed during anti-government protests.
In a recent speech in Dubai, Azimio leader Raila Odinga declared his willingness to abandon his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship if it meant achieving political stability in Kenya.
He emphasized his dedication to the country’s well-being over personal ambitions, stating, “I am ready to forgo my AUC ambitions for the sake of my country if this is being used to manipulate me at the expense of the quest for a better and stable country.”
This announcement followed closely after Odinga asserted he would not engage in dialogue with President William Ruto’s administration until justice was served for the young Kenyans who lost their lives during the anti-government protests.
Odinga also expressed his discontent with allegations that he had been bribed by the Kenya Kwanza administration to support a government of national unity.
He categorically denied these claims, stating, “The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false.”
Odinga accused certain individuals of spreading these rumours to create discord within the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition. He also addressed concerns about potential divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party due to his decision to engage in talks with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Notably, ODM top luminaries, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, criticized Odinga’s decision, viewing it as a betrayal to those who died during the Finance Bill protests.
Orengo stated, “We cannot at a time we are mourning our people and some are scrambling for positions, this cannot happen.”
In a significant shift, Odinga agreed with Governor Orengo, affirming that he would not participate in government-initiated talks until justice was achieved for the victims of police brutality.