Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has found himself grappling with a new challenge within his party as his supporters become divided over his recent pursuit of the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Following his declaration on Thursday, February 15, Raila's bid has received a boost for the AU job, from political antagonists from the Kenya Kwanza regime to former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Within the Azimio camp, he also received support from proponents including Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino who reaffirmed that Raila is the right candidate for the job.
"This is a welcome decision considering the vast experience that Odinga has on matters of the African Continent and why Africa needs to be moved to the next level of economic reliance," Owino stated.
"Odinga is a Pan-Africanist, a peacemaker and a man who has a penchant for good leadership and governance. He believes Africa will be emancipated politically, socially and economically if African leaders pull in one direction and hold on to one agenda, a United Africa."
On the other hand, several politicians have offered a different opinion on the matter, accusing the Kenya Kwanza regime of plotting to force the former prime minister to exit the local politics as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election.
"The AU Chairmanship campaign might be structured to fail to embarrass Baba Raila Odinga. I don't trust Kenya Kwanza on this," Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai commented on his social platform on Friday, February 16.
"It might be Kenya Kwanza fishing for new insults to throw Baba's way with a campaign they strategically want to fail."
Additionally, ODM self-professed diehard fan Nuru Okanga told Kenyans.co.ke that the matter should be left to Kenyans to decide through a public participation forum.
"Those thinking that they will blackmail Raila into accepting the AU job, we will not allow it. If he gets the job, where does that leave us as a country?" he posed.
"We don't want him to go to AU, but be the next president so others thinking that they can create confusion to hound him out of politics will not be allowed.
"It's not his choice, it's us Kenyans to decide. He should involve Kenyans in public participation so that we make the ultimate decision," Okanga added.
Raila is seeking to replace Former Prime Minister of Chad Moussa Faki Mahamat whose term as AU chairperson lapses this year. If elected, Raila will be barred from engaging in local politics until the term expires.
At the time of publishing this article, Azimio coalition principals, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (Narc-Kenya), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), and Peter Munya (PNU), had not yet disclosed their position on the matter.
