Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has bowed out of the 2022 succession politics in favour of his new job at the African Union.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Monday, his spokesperson Dennis Onyango explained that Odinga would be taking a sabbatical and would not engage in politics revolving around the succession of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“To provide the required leadership in this critical area, and in line with his previous pronouncements, Mr. Odinga wishes to reiterate that he will not engage in Kenya’s succession politics ahead of 2022,” reads the statement.
It explained that the former premier chose to focus on delivering his mandate as a special envoy.
“Odinga wants to dedicate the next couple of years to building infrastructure across the continent through his new office and uniting Kenyans through the Building Bridges Initiative,” the spokesman said.
He clarified that Raila would keep a keen eye on the building bridges initiative that was born out of the handshake between himself and President Kenyatta.
Questions have arisen about whether his decision is linked to the meeting between Odinga, Uhuru, and Rutowho is has been reported as the man to beat in 2022.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is likely to restrategise in order to fill his shoes.
Siaya Senator James Orengo, who is a close confidant of the opposition leader, is tipped to be the top contender to succeed him.
This came as shock because politicians allied to Raila had assured that he was still a contender for the top seat.
