As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections approach, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has weighed in on Raila Odinga’s political future. Speaking in an interview, Kalonzo asserted that if Raila fails to secure the AUC chairmanship, he should retire from politics altogether.
“I don’t see how Raila Odinga would lose the chairmanship and come back to lead Azimio. That would not be the Raila I know. If he wins, great for him and the country. If he loses, he should simply retire,” Kalonzo stated.
Having supported Raila in past elections, Kalonzo said he expects him to follow former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s path into statesmanship rather than returning to active politics.
At the same time, he took a swipe at President William Ruto, alleging that his support for Raila’s AUC bid was strategic. According to Kalonzo, Ruto believes removing Raila from Kenyan politics will boost his 2027 re-election chances.
“Ruto thinks political loyalty is transferable and that he can take over Raila’s support base. But with less than 20% approval, his leadership days are numbered,” Kalonzo claimed.
He also revealed that Azimio has postponed coalition reconstitution until after the AUC elections, suggesting that many ODM members might realign based on the outcome.
Reflecting on Raila’s legacy, Kalonzo recalled a post-Gen Z protest conversation, urging him not to betray the people’s fight for change. If Raila loses the AUC seat, Kalonzo believes he might endorse a pro-people candidate in 2027—but if Raila backs Ruto, Kalonzo made it clear he would challenge them both.
“If Raila stands with the people, he’d support us. But if he backs Ruto, we will deal with them both!” he declared.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.