This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
August 22, 2019
Raila Odinga, the AU Envoy, has been at the center of speculation regarding his 2022 presidential ambitions. However, despite several attempts by his opponents to draw him into the conversation, Odinga remains non-committal about his plans.
His silence on the matter has been met with restlessness from his perceived enemies, who are eager to capitalize on any perceived weakness in his position.
“I have not declared if I will contest for the presidency. I am currently focusing on the unity of Kenyans through the BBI,” Raila said in a statement.
He emphasized that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is his primary focus, and that the team is collecting views from Kenyans across the country on whether to amend the constitution or not.
“The BBI team has been traversing the country collecting views on how best we can address the long-standing issues affecting Kenyans. The team will draw its recommendations, which will be presented to Kenyans for approval before a referendum is conducted,” said Raila.
His close working relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta has also denied his competitors the political fodder they need to attack him. As a result, Odinga is now a firm supporter of the regime, and there is no opportunity to turn him into the usual bogeyman he is during elections.
