• On Thursday last week, Raila made public his intentions to vie for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
• His bid has received backing from leaders across the political divide.
Image: FILE
Former chief agent in Raila Odinga's 2022 presidential campaign Saitabao Ole Kanchory has said that the plot to have the former Prime minister go for the African Union Commission chairmanship is another long con game.
In a statement on Thursday, Kanchory describes the move as a poisoned chalice for the Azimio leader.
According to Kanchory, it looked like a plot to divert the attention of Kenyans.
"Dear Baba, Raila Odinga this AU thing is a poisoned chalice; a red herring; another long con. This one is the real long con," Kanchory said on X.
On Thursday last week, Raila made public his intentions to vie for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
His bid came at a time when the tenure of incumbent Moussa Faki of Chad is coming to an end.
During the announcement, Raila said that he was the right candidate for the job.
"Today, I want to make it public that I am ready to go for the chairmanship of the Africa Union... I am inclined to accept the challenge. Should the leadership of Africa want my services, I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent," Raila said.
He insisted that he had been consulting widely among friends on whether to take the job or not.
“I have served in the AU in the capacity of high representative, it gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about every African country and the comparative advantages and I believe that by walking together with the countries we can make Africa great,” Raila said.
His bid has received backing from leaders across the political divide.
The ruling UDA party over the weekend endorsed the Azimio leader to become the next chairperson of the African Union Commission.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said the party believes Raila can lead the continent in the desired direction.
He said Raila's immense pool of experience will most certainly be of value to the African continent.
"He measures up to Africa's greatest as one of Africa's greatest sons. Raila was at the forefront of the greatest leaders who championed the entrenchment of the tenets of democracy and the rule of law in Kenya and Africa," Malala said.
"A man of his stature can chart our path and save the vessel of emancipation of Africa to greater heights and the desired destination."
The William Ruto-led administration has also indicated that they are ready to push for a Raila candidature and also set up machinery to lobby for him.