Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has stated that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga should retire from active politics if he fails to secure the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Kalonzo, however, maintained that he fully supports Raila’s bid and wishes him well in the upcoming elections.
Speaking during the Social Newsroom Show with journalist Mark Masai on Monday, Kalonzo emphasized that Raila is well-suited for the role, and his extensive leadership experience would be beneficial for the African continent.
“I don’t see how Raila Odinga would lose the chairmanship and come back and say he wants to lead Azimio. I would be amazed personally. That would not be the Raila I know. He must also have a reality check. For now, the option is he goes; if he wins, beautiful for himself, the country, and the continent. If he loses, I think he should simply retire,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader further suggested that should Raila lose, he should consider joining retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in the ranks of former statesmen rather than seeking another political role in Kenya.
President William Ruto has been vocal in supporting Raila’s bid, rallying African leaders to back the veteran politician. The former prime minister is set to face stiff competition from Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato. The three candidates presented their vision for Africa’s transformation in a televised debate on December 13, 2024.
The AUC elections are scheduled for February 15 and 16, 2025. The voting process will take place in three rounds and will be preceded by elections for six AUC commissioner positions on February 12-13. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government will elect and appoint the chairperson and deputy chairperson during their session on February 15-16.
The race for the AUC top seat has drawn attention across the continent, with each candidate outlining their commitment to advancing the African Union’s Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063. Raila has been campaigning on a platform of enhancing continental unity, improving economic integration, and strengthening peace and security efforts.
If successful, Raila will become the second Kenyan to hold the AUC chairmanship, following Dr. Roselyne Akombe, who served as an AUC commissioner. His election would also mark a significant political shift, as he would transition from Kenya’s opposition leadership to a continental diplomatic role.
With just months to go before the elections, Raila’s political future hangs in the balance, and his next steps will largely depend on the outcome of the AUC bid.
