Raila Odinga’s appointment as an African Union High Representative is causing jitters among his supporters and the Opposition that it could pave the way for William Ruto’s easy ride to State House.
Raila’s key allies are worried that his new continental role might remove him from Kenyan politics and jeopardize his chances of taking the presidency in 2022.
The former prime minister has not publicly declared if he will take a fifth aim at the presidency but his close allies have been hinting that he could throw his hat in the ring again.
After months of speculation of an imminent role as an African Union envoy, the ODM leader was on Saturday appointed High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa by the AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
In his new role, Raila will spearhead the AU’s infrastructure drive and the Planning and Coordinating Agency of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
As a special envoy of the AU chairperson, Raila will have an office in Addis, but with frequent travel across the continent.
This could be a highly-engaging itinerary that could keep him on the move as he organizes investment and other transnational development initiatives.
While Raila will also have an office in Nairobi with staff and advisers to boost his local presence and unity programmes with Uhuru, politicians believe his schedule could chip away at his local influence.
The Star has established that there are loud murmurs within his ODM party and some MPs are seeking audience with Raila to respond to their fears.
Those apprehensive of the future say the ODM leader should be cautious about the appointment as it could be a bait by his rivals to remove him from the political contest.
“There is confusion in the party over our leader’s new role. This could be a strategy to shove him off the main political stage. His absence will be catastrophic for the opposition. He must explain to us how he intends to shuttle between the two roles while making sure that his role in the 2022 elections remains clear,” said a senior ODM member.
The politician, who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity, said Raila’s busy continental diary could destabilise NASA.
“Raila is the cornerstone of NASA. His absence is a concern because that would throw us into disarray and reorganizing ourselves might be a challenge,” he added.
But some of Raila’s close allies say his elevation, as a continental envoy, will only strengthen his presidential ambitions.
“The role enhances his standing as presidential material,” said ODM minority Whip Junet Mohamed, one of his close allies and strategists.