The recently concluded 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa has greatly changed the perception about Raila Odinga that earlier argued about his political future.
Kenyans were sceptical about the significance of Raila Odinga’s new assignment, with others even dismissing the development as a ploy to politically neutralise the Opposition leader.
During the two-day event, Mr Odinga joined African leaders in deliberations in the Ethiopian capital.
Complete with a golden circular badge on his coat lapel, reserved only for participating heads of state and high-profile guests including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader savoured his moment as VVIP at the Addis Ababa event.
From the “high table”, he mingled freely and shared hearty moments with continental leaders, a factor that quickly prompted teasers on social media that Kenya was represented at the Addis Ababa event by “two presidents” — Mr Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The ODM leader’s shining star on the global scene has greatly been boosted by President Kenyatta, or rather the newfound cooperation between the two.
“Added to these global leadership credentials is his new eminent role as AU envoy of infrastructure, which is a major priority in African Agenda 2063 on continental rebirth and development,” observes Prof Kagwanja.
Mr Odinga’s new role involves supporting and strengthening the efforts of the AU Commission’s departments, planning and coordinating the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).
He is expected to mobilise political support from member states and regional economic communities.
Prof Kagwanja says Mr Odinga’s new status places him at the level of Africa’s eminent personalities such as former presidents Thabo Mbeki (South Africa)and Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) who also have different roles on the continent.
The difference though, according to Prof Kagwanja, is that Mr Odinga has a huge latitude of upward mobility in terms of political influence.
“While his peers are retired, Mr Odinga is still active and influential in his home country and on the African scene. He is definitely charting new waters in African diplomacy.”
Day 2 at the #AUSummit Exchanging ideas and action plans for the continent this year. I’m also happy to add that the NEPAD office is now known as the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and I will be working hand in hand with them to ensure our projects come to fruition. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/AG3pp3yXff
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 10, 2019
Noting that Mr Odinga has similarly led several electoral observer missions for AU and other global entities across Africa, his spokesman Dennis Onyango partly attributes his boss’s growing influence to the general respect Kenya enjoys among peers on the continent.
“I do not think it is just about Raila. There is a Kenyan factor to this growing respect and influence, and in fact some call it Uhuru-Raila factor in Africa, which has gotten stronger with time, thanks to the handshake.
“The country and its leadership are looked at differently at global events — with awe and a lot of respect,” Mr Onyango tells the Sunday Nation.