NASA leader Raila Odinga’s appointment as African Union Special Envoy elevated him to a continental statesman whose time will now be divided across Africa.
Raila joins the league of former presidents and senior leaders in the continent and this places him near a climax of his pursuit as a Pan Africanist.
With a lot of travel around the continent rallying political support to his new cause, Raila might find himself divorced from local politics.
Statement on appointment by @AUC_MoussaFaki as @_AfricanUnion High Representative for Infrastructure Development. https://t.co/aRj7KOjfgz
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) October 20, 2018
But just where does this appointment place the opposition leader? As a special envoy of the AU chairperson, Raila will have an office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but with frequent travel across the continent. He will mediate in peace negotiations and conflict resolution.
Raila will also have a fully-furnished office in Nairobi, with staff and advisers to boost his local presence and unity programmes with President Uhuru Kenyatta. Addressing the country during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County Saturday, President Kenyatta celebrated Raila’s appointment.
Congratulations to my brother, Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga on your appointment today as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. I wish you all the best in your new assignment @hagegeingob @WilliamsRuto | #Mashujaa2018 #KenyaMbele pic.twitter.com/wQpueNzasW
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) October 20, 2018
“When we come together, it allows us to be better. See now our brother has got a continental job, the biggest beneficiaries is us as Kenyans,” Uhuru said. He said the new appointment will help his government achieve the Big Four agenda in terms of infrastructure and development of the country.
“Raila will work closely with my government to ensure he allocates more resources to Kenya to fast track infrastructural development so as to make Vision 2030 a reality. We have made history as a country and with the handshake deal in place, Kenya stands to achieve more,” he added.
“Our agreement to bury the hatchet and work together with the Opposition leader has been recognised globally.
The AU Commission has appointed Raila as the High Representative for Infrastructure and Development in Africa,” Uhuru said.