ODM party and Azimio leader Raila Odinga is the frontrunner to become chairperson of the African Union next February.
Meanwhile, his ODM party is organising grassroots elections throughout the country. However, a new party leader can not be chosen because the ODM National Elections Board has not been sworn in.
Raila cannot be both ODM party leader and AU chairperson. That would be a clear conflict of interest. Raila has to choose between being an opposition leader in Kenya and leading the African continent, representing its governments as well as its peoples.
Simultaneously, there is a bitter squabble over who should inherit his mantle. Inside ODM, deputy leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho both want to become boss. Outside ODM, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka both want to lead Azimio and the opposition.
Raila faces a genuine dilemma. Kenya needs large political groupings that cross regional boundaries. He does not want Azimio and ODM to disintegrate. Presently he is the undisputed opposition leader but who can fill his shoes?
That is not yet clear but one thing is clear - Raila cannot be both AU leader and leader of the Kenya opposition.
Quote of the day: "It is not wisdom but Authority that makes a law."
Thomas Hobbes
The English philosopher was born on April 5, 1588
