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Jakakimba’s remarks were in response to Raila’s Saturday statement that he would serve Africa and Kenya at the same time.
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Raila who was speaking in Kibra said that even with him at the AU, should he get the job, he will continue to ensure things are working as they should in Kenya.
Image: HANDOUT
Silas Jakakimba, a former long-time aide of Azimio leader Raila Odinga now says that he needs to change his messaging to the locals, if he is to win the African Union Commission chairmanship.
According to Jakakimba, Raila needs a well-balanced communication in the next year that he will be campaigning to become the next AU Commission chairperson.
He said that the messaging should have less of his desire to remain active in Kenya’s political space and more of a soft and diplomatic bearing.
“As the government led by President William Ruto prepares to commence a continental campaign blitz for this seat, it is imperative moving forward, that PM Raila Odinga's public messaging targeting local audiences, remains tempered and weighs less on expressions alluding to a burning desire to 'chew the gum and scale the stairs' - loosely translated to mean he intends to remain active in Kenya's ever-evolving political landscape with all its obvious intrigues," he said on X.
“There's an urgent need for a very tempered balance in public comms from the former PM around and, during the window of this bid, intertwined with a fair share of soft and deliberate diplomatic posture."
He, however, noted that he has always believed Raila is best placed to lead the African continent in many other capacities, including the one he is currently seeking.
Jakakimba said that the former Prime Minister already has a great legacy in Kenya when it comes to pushing for good governance.
“Raila Odinga does have and I have said this times and a number over the past year, the right comportment, person, and leadership profile to serve the African continent in other capacities including but not limited to being the AUC Chairperson. He already has an enduring legacy at home, of having been a frontal champion of good governance and equity,” he said.
Jakakimba served as Raila’s assistant and later on a senior adviser before they broke ranks after the 2022 Presidential elections.
In the election, Raila lost to President William Ruto who has now fronted him for the AU Commission chairmanship.
Jakakimba’s remarks were in response to Raila’s Saturday statement that he would serve Africa and Kenya at the same time.
Raila who was speaking in Kibra said that even with him at the AU, should he get the job, he will continue to ensure things are working as they should in Kenya.