Oscar Sudi backs Raila for African Union job
A vocal lawmaker allied with the Kenya Kwanza Government, who has been a staunch critic of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga, now appears to have changed tune, recognising the opposition chief as a true Kenyan leader.
Mr Odinga is eyeing the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who is a close ally of President William Ruto, asserts that the former Prime Minister deserves the position because of his contributions to the country over the years.
Sudi, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) allied lawmaker voiced his support for Odinga to succeed the outgoing AU Chair, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat.
“I want to declare my stand about AU matters. Raila Odinga is a leader in the Republic of Kenya, let us support him to scoop the commission’s Chairmanship position,” said the outspoken MP.
Sudi has been a strong critic of Mr Odinga since he was one of the closest competitors to President William Ruto in the 2022 general elections.
Dr Ruto, who served as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s deputy, vied for the presidency through the Kenya Kwanza ticket, while Mr Odinga championed Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance and was endorsed by Mr Kenyatta.
Mr Sudi has constantly been attacking Odinga, especially after he contested President Ruto’s victory at the Supreme Court, though the court dismissed the opposition’s case.
As they say, in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, Mr Odinga is now a darling to Sudi as he rallies behind him, campaigning him for the top AUC position.
“He has struggled five times for the presidential seat, but when he arrives at the door (referring to victory), things go astray. And since he has brought a lot for us as a country, including the passing of the current Constitution, I beg Kenyans, let us be gentle and wise and support Raila Amollo Odinga to be our chairman at the AUC,” Sudi campaigned.
By supporting the former Prime Minister, the MP, who is an ally of President Ruto, stated that even the world will acknowledge Kenya as a gentle nation.
Dr Ruto has already announced his support for Mr Odinga, and on Monday, February 26, 2024, photos of the head of state with his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, alongside Odinga in Uganda, emerged.
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