National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has stated that supporting Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the AU Commission Chairmanship seat is a top priority for Kenya.
Wetangula further dismissed assertions that Kenya Kwanza is endorsing the former premier solely to sideline him from domestic politics.
Addressing residents in Bungoma County on Saturday during the unveiling of an ICT hub at Mabanga Seminary, Wetangula emphasized that Kenya Kwanza’s support for Raila’s AU bid is not politically motivated by the state but rather by his suitability for the role.
“What we will all do now is to go to every African country to campaign for Raila Odinga. We don’t intend to remove him from Kenyan politics, but rather to serve Africa because he is qualified,” said Wetangula.
Wetangula’s remarks come amid intense debate about the former premier’s political future as the bid effectively sidelines him from Kenya’s political arena, obliging him to serve until 2028 if he secures the position.
The code of conduct for holders of this office implies that Raila will be required to take a back seat in Kenya’s politics and maintain a neutral stance in political contests across Africa.
Furthermore, it stipulates that the regional bloc’s chairperson is prohibited from accepting any other appointment to a public office unless upon resignation.
