This archive report was first published on 9 July 2021.
Published on July 9, 2021, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has stated that he does not want President Uhuru Kenyatta's endorsement in the 2022 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Citizen, Odinga emphasized that he will only seek the Head of State's vote when he formally declares his candidacy.
"I have not said that I will vie and Uhuru has not endorsed me. I do not want to be endorsed by Uhuru or anybody else. We have competed before with Uhuru and I do not understand how he will endorse me. When I vie, I will only seek his vote," he said.
While speculation has been rife that Odinga is President Kenyatta's suitable candidate as his possible successor, the African Union envoy for Infrastructure has downplayed the perception noting that he has what it takes to convince the electorate to endorse him when the right time comes.
During this year's Madaraka Day celebrations that were held in Kisumu County, President Kenyatta indirectly hinted at supporting Odinga's candidature, lauding him for his effort, commitment and passion to see Kenya united.
President Kenyatta and Odinga united on March 9, 2018, when they shook hands in what is now famously referred to as the handshake and committed to work together.
The union subsequently gave birth to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a constitutional process that seeks to amend the Constitution and foster more inclusivity and unity in the country.
