Azimio leader Raila Odinga jetted back into the country yesterday morning and threw his followers into a conundrum by holding a closed-door meeting with President William Ruto in Mombasa.
The meeting took place only a week after Raila lost his much-publicised bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship to Djibouti’s candidate Ahmed Ali Youssef.
Reflecting on his AUC bid, Raila described it as an eye-opener that allowed him to engage with African leaders and gain deeper insights into the continent’s challenges.
“I had the opportunity to meet over 40 African presidents in their capitals, not just to campaign for my candidature, but also to discuss the challenges their nations face. The struggles across the continent are strikingly similar,” he revealed.
Addressing allegations that KSh13 billion was spent on his campaign, Raila dismissed the claims as baseless.
“The government contributed what was necessary. The Minister for Foreign Affairs was available around the clock, and other government departments facilitated my appointments,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Raila reaffirmed his commitment to public service, stating that he would always be available to offer his counsel and contribution whenever needed. He promised to unveil his next political steps soon.
Raila lost the AUC chairmanship race in a gruelling seven-round voting exercise held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 15 February.
President Ruto, in welcoming Raila back, reaffirmed his commitment to working with him to advance the nation’s development agenda.
“We must close ranks and focus on what we can do for Kenya. This administration is now broad-based, and there is every reason to accelerate the momentum for transformative development,” Ruto stated at the State House, Mombasa, meeting.
He insisted that Kenyans need all hands on deck to achieve our mission and vision.
Ruto also lauded Raila for his resilience during the AUC race, asserting that Kenya had never fielded a more qualified candidate for a continental position.
“I wish to thank my colleagues across Africa for their show of solidarity and support for Kenya and Raila Odinga. Ultimately, we remain a united continent, committed to the Africa Agenda 2063. Kenya will continue to play its part in supporting intra-African trade and development,” Ruto said.
The president also called on leaders to work together for the sake of the people and the nation.
“The political goodwill we have in the country through the broad-based government is greatly helping implement programmes that will improve people’s lives,” he pointed out, adding that he will continue holding extensive consultations with like-minded leaders in the effort to work for the unity and prosperity of the country.
