President William Ruto’s aide has come forward to defend Kenya Kwanza's decision to support opposition leader Raila Odinga for the African Union (AU) chairperson position.
Speaking in Nandi, Farouk Kibet clarified that their endorsement is not rooted in fear for the 2027 general election but rather a desire to see him play a transformative role on the continental stage.
He said there was a need for the Azimio leader to transcend local political divides and ensure a peaceful retirement.
According to Kibet, supporting Raila’s bid for the position aligns with a broader vision of fostering unity and collaboration beyond national borders.
“We are not supporting him because we fear him,” he said.
“We are supporting him as a gift so that God can see us as generous people like other Kenyans. They should not see us as cowards, how can we fear a person that we defeated the other time?” he questioned.
He also told off some of his allies who he said are opposed to Raila's candidature instead of supporting him.
“Sisi hatutaki hasara ya kila siku ashindwe aseme ameibiwa. Sijui mwizi anakuwanga wapi katikati ya hii kura. (We no longer want him to lose then come back to claim votes have been stolen. We do not where this thief is in every election circle),” he said.
Kibet emphasized Ruto and Raila are friends and the move reflects a commitment to promoting statesmanship over partisanship.
He further stated that this showcases the willingness to break traditional political norms for the greater good.
Raila’s unexpected endorsement for the job especially from Ruto’s camp has continued to spark discussions.
Migori Senator Eddie Oketch has claimed that the government’s push to have the former Prime Minister in charge of the AU is a strategy to stop him from fighting for Kenyans.
Raila has already received the backing from former Nigeria president and AU Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo.
“We believe that people who have held the positions of head of government like at PM level will be able to knock on the door of incumbent PMs, Presidents without much ado. Such people would probably be the right persons armed with other attributes at this particular time,” he said.
