Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has praised President William Ruto for facilitating the retirement of opposition leader Raila Odinga, calling it the best thing that has happened to Kenya.
Wamuchumba hailed the president’s move in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after Ruto oversaw the launch of Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
The Githunguri MP expressed gratitude to Ruto for providing Raila with a retirement package, suggesting that the move signals a significant shift in Kenyan politics.
“This is the best thing that has happened to Kenya. Thank you William Ruto for giving Raila a retirement package. It’s now confirmed that regional kingpins are exiting the stage to pave way for young, tribeless and new faces of political leadership,” she wrote.
Wamuchomba suggested that Raila’s exit would pave the way for a new generation of leaders who prioritize the rule of law, accountability, and integrity.
“At their exit, we welcome the new generation of leaders who believe in the rule of law, accountability and integrity. I’m happy that some of us have some space to occupy.
“We are coming soon to provide solutions not rhetorics, to write history of young men and women who are patriots and nationalists. To salvage the dwindling economy and make the Kenya we want. Yes! We are here, we are coming in peace,” Wamuchomba remarked.
Wamuchomba also wished Raila well in his bid for the AU chairmanship but advised against returning to domestic politics, citing the challenges that may come with age.
“To Baba Raila Odinga; we wish you well as AU chairman. But please don’t come back to politics. It will be too bumpy for your age,” she added.
The MP’s remarks have sparked conversations about the future of Kenyan politics and the anticipated emergence of new leadership.
The position of AUC chairperson will become available next year as the current chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, concludes his second term.
Faki was initially appointed in 2017 and secured a second term in 2021.
The new chairperson will be elected during the next AU summit in 2025.
The AUC chairperson is elected by the Assembly of 55 member states for a four-year term, which is renewable once.
To secure the position, a candidate must achieve a two-thirds majority in the vote, requiring at least 36 votes from the member states, each of which has a single vote.
If Raila successfully clinches the AUC chairperson seat, he will leave Kenya to operate from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia which houses the Africa Union (AU) headquarters.
The ODM leader announced that he will not be actively involved in Kenyan politics if he secures the AUC chairmanship next year.
Speaking on August 21, 2024, after being hosted by Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi at his Railways office in Nairobi, Raila emphasized that his focus would soon shift to continental affairs, leaving him with little time for Kenyan politics.
He, however, stated that Kenyan politics will continue despite his absence from the political arena.
“You know that I will begin working for the continent once I am elected in February next year. At the moment, I am involved in the campaigns, but that does not mean that Kenya will cease to exist,” Raila said.
Adding that; “I will not be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I shift my attention to the continental campaigns. It is a transitional phase from active participation in Kenyan politics to a focus on African continental politics.”
