Prominent legal scholar and former anti-corruption czar Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, widely known as PLO Lumumba, has announced his opposition to Raila Odinga’s campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. This unexpected stance has raised questions, particularly given their shared roots in Bondo constituency.
Despite their shared heritage, Lumumba and Raila have historically been on opposing sides of political and institutional matters. Reports suggest a personal and professional divide dating back to Lumumba’s tenure as Director of the now-defunct Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC).
During this period, Raila played a key role in promoting parliamentary amendments that led to the dissolution of KACC and the establishment of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), resulting in Lumumba and his deputies vacating their roles. Lumumba’s attempt to retain his position through legislative provisions was unsuccessful, an outcome he attributes to Raila and his allies in parliament.
Ongoing Tensions
The rivalry deepened during the 2013 election petition filed by Raila against then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. Lumumba, representing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), described Raila’s affidavit as largely hearsay, a move that reportedly strained relations further. Sources indicate that Raila and his team have not forgiven Lumumba for his approach during the proceedings.
Lumumba’s Critique of Raila’s Bid
In opposing Raila’s candidacy for the AUC chairmanship, Lumumba has cited several concerns:
- Retreat from Local Politics: Lumumba contends that Raila’s bid is a strategy to withdraw from domestic political engagement, allowing President William Ruto’s administration to consolidate support in Raila’s political strongholds.
- Call for Youthful Leadership: Lumumba argues that the AUC chairmanship requires a younger, more dynamic leader, asserting that at nearly 80 years old, Raila should focus on writing his memoirs rather than pursuing continental leadership.
- Campaigning Methods: He has criticized Raila’s approach to the campaign, suggesting that soliciting endorsements from various heads of state portrays desperation for the role, contrasting with the precedent set by previous officeholders.
Broader Implications
Analysts interpret Lumumba’s opposition as emblematic of broader political and ideological differences between the two figures. While Raila remains a seasoned statesman with a vast political network, Lumumba’s position reflects a generational shift in thinking about African leadership.
Lumumba’s remarks have further polarized opinions among Raila’s supporters and critics, setting the stage for intensified debate about Kenya’s role in continental leadership. As the AUC election draws closer, the spotlight will remain on the dynamics between these two prominent sons of Bondo.
