Rosemary Odinga, daughter of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, spoke on a potential return to elective politics when she appeared on Anne Kiguta's Punchline Show on Sunday, June 14.
Rosemary had declared her candidacy for the Kibra parliamentary seat in 2016, ahead of the 2017 General Elections but dropped out of the race months later due to illness.
She had been diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour that caused her partial blindness. She was later flown to South Africa for advanced treatment.
Having recovered from the disease, she was questioned on whether she had contemplated tossing her hat back into the ring in upcoming polls in 2022.
"It's still too early to talk about running for office right now. Right now the country is going through a tough time with Covid-19.
"Now is not the time for people to think about what seats I want, who I want to remove or who I want to put in. I mean yes, there's still politics happening but this is not the time for that.
"We need to be more cognizant of the fact that people don't have jobs and people are struggling.
"I think it's too soon to talk about 2022 but let's wait and see. As long as I'm able to support my countrywomen and women I'm happy, it doesn't have to be a political space but if it is so, so be it, let the people decide," she asserted when asked whether she had gained enough strength to return to the campaign trail.
Odinga addressed various other issues including her illness, which she stated laid bare the poor state of Kenya's healthcare system.
She observed that after she collapsed at a hotel room and was diagnosed, it was established that the equipment necessary for the specialised operation she required was not available in the country.
Odinga also addressed the emerging 'Hustler vs Dynasties' narrative used by allies of Deputy President William Ruto to characterize opposition to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.
Rosemary urged Kenyans to focus on policies instead of such a narrative, arguing that voters were supposed to judge candidates on the basis of their platforms.
"It's unfortunate that that has found its way into the conversation of our nation because really you should judge someone by their character and what they're going to do for you.
"It should be about their policies. It should be about what you are going to provide to your country, not this narrative of dynasties which is being peddled.
"We are a country which should focus on policies. Which are the policies we can use to uplift each other?" she posed.
Rosemary also cautioned against defending Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru against impeachment in the Senate simply because she is a woman.
She called for existing systems to be allowed to operate, noting that accusations against her should be heard and determined fairly.
"Let the procedure go forward and see whether the evidence brought forward is correct, and then make a decision," she noted.
Watch the interview below:
