According to Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji, President William Ruto is more "desperate" for Raila Odinga to clinch the African Union Chairmanship this weekend than Raila himself.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Friday, February 14, Mukunji pointed out that Raila still poses a "threat" to President Ruto in the next general election.
Mukunji stated that Raila securing the AU seat would be a sigh of relief for Ruto, as it would mean the president would not face a strong competitor in the 2027 general elections.
"I will say that the president sounds more desperate for Raila’s win than Raila himself, and of course, that is because of the local politics we normally have and the fact that he appears to be a serious threat to the 2027 re-election," he said.
However, Mukunji expressed his support for the former Prime Minister, branding him a leader who executes his strategies with precision and would be a valuable asset to the continent if he wins.
"Everyone knows that Raila Odinga is a man who understands history very well. He knows Africa, and he knows what to say at the right time. Without a doubt, he would represent Africa positively," he said.
"Without a doubt, his vision for Africa is something I have read, and it is commendable," he added.
With the AUC election preparations underway, 55 Heads of State from African Union member states, including President William Ruto, are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the polls.
In the running for the seat is the former Prime Minister, who will go head-to-head with Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Yousouff (MAY) and Madagascar's Richard J. Randriamandrato.
Should Raila secure the seat, he will be tasked with presiding over the overall administration and finances of the Commission while promoting the objectives of the African Union.
Local politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have expressed optimism about Odinga’s candidacy for the continent's top role.
Gachagua, in a statement on Friday morning on his X account, expressed confidence in Raila, affirming that there was no doubt about his global perspective and dedication to championing the African people.
"As a continent, we need a Raila Odinga-like character to unite the Anglophone and Francophone blocs towards building the Africa of the future. His win in Addis Ababa would cement his commitment to the Pan-African spirit that he has lived and championed," he said.
