A photo collage depicts Azimio leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a collaboration Odinga justifies through his AU Chair ambitions and their shared “One Shilling” resource equity vision. IMAGE FILE
In Summary:
- Azimio leader Raila Odinga has explained his decision to work with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing his pursuit of the African Union Commission Chairperson role and their shared vision for resource equity.
- Odinga stated that the government’s endorsement of his AU bid necessitated working with Gachagua, who he described as a “Saul turned Paul” for supporting the “One Man, One Vote, One Shilling” approach.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has shed light on his decision to work with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite their divergent political affiliations.
Speaking during the presentation of the Limuru 3 resolutions at Chungwa House, Odinga emphasized that his collaboration with Gachagua is driven by his aspirations to become the next African Union Commission Chairperson and their mutual advocacy for equitable resource distribution.
Odinga clarified that the Kenyan government, of which Gachagua is a part, has pledged its support for his bid for the AU’s top job.
“Gachagua is a member of this government, and as you know, the government pledged to support my bid for AU, and I thank them,” Odinga stated, underscoring the necessity of working together.
Notably, Odinga likened Gachagua’s transformation to that of the biblical figure Saul, who became known as Paul after a profound change.
“He has seen the light and he is a Saul who has now become a Paul,” Odinga remarked, referring to Gachagua’s endorsement of the “One Man, One Vote, One Shilling” approach.
This principle, which advocates for equitable distribution of resources based on population and needs, has been a long-standing cause championed by Odinga.
He reiterated his call for constitutional amendments to ensure fair allocation of funds, stating, “It’s logical for equity of resources. I already supported the proposal on the defunct BBI. We need equity, not equality. That’s why in BBI we talked for one man, one vote, and one shilling.”
Odinga’s comments come a day after the Kenyan government, through Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, affirmed its commitment to supporting the ODM party leader’s quest for the AU Commission role.
Mudavadi commended Odinga’s political experience and leadership, expressing confidence in his ability to elevate the African Union to greater heights.