By The Weekly Vision Team
The unveiling of ODM leader Raila Odinga as East Africa’s candidate of choice for the African Union Commission Chairman on Tuesday was one of its kind. However, the absence of key Azimio leaders at the event, especially former President Uhuru Kenyatta, conveyed a powerful message.
The event was graced by EAC chairman and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, signalling strong regional support for Mr Odinga in the EAC. Rwanda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Kabarebe, and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca were also present.
Prominent absentees from the Azimio coalition were Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party and Jubilee Party Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni. Recently, Kalonzo and Raila have openly disagreed on various matters related to the coalition with Kalonzo asserting that Raila betrayed him when he agreed to work with William Ruto. Kalonzo was however quoted saying that he missed Raila’s AU event because “I am the official opposition leader,I can sit with my brother Raila Odinga in the same table but not Ruto ,I wish him well ”
Uhuru Kenyatta’s absence from the function sparked considerable discussion, with a section of his supporters asserting that Mr Odinga’s decision to work closely with President William Ruto and even the inclusion of top ODM leaders in Ruto’s cabinet could be viewed as a betrayal. Political analysts have asserted that Uhuru Kenyatta has never endorsed Raila’s bid for the position. He at one point harboured similar ambitions to those of Mr Odinga for the role but withdrew his interest upon realizing that President William Ruto’s favourite for the post was Mr. Odinga.
Sources indicate that Odinga did not bother seeking Uhuru Kenyatta’s counsel regarding his decision to pursue the AUC chairmanship; neither did he seek his opinion when he decided to include ODM members in President Ruto’s cabinet. Both men have not engaged in meaningful consultations lately, as Mr Kenyatta perceives Odinga as a betrayer.
This confirms that Uhuru Kenyatta and his team deliberately distanced themselves from the ceremony. Mr. Kioni has been vocal, accusing Mr. Odinga of betraying Kenyans and his fellow members in the Azimio coalition. Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, on his part, has stated that he has assumed the role of the leader of the opposition following the ODM and Raila’s alignment with the Kenya Kwanza government.
