Former LSK President Nelson Havi says that the government's support for Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson role could be a strategic move to remove him from Kenyan politics.
Havi believes that backing Odinga, the opposition leader, is likely intended to diminish his political influence in Kenya. He expressed this opinion during an appearance on Citizen TV on Tuesday, noting that this might be beneficial, as Odinga has been a significant figure in the country's electoral landscape for nearly five election cycles.
Despite this, Havi praised Odinga's long-standing leadership in Kenya, affirming his confidence in Odinga's potential to secure the AUC chairperson position. He highlighted Odinga's distinguished career and suggested that his departure from Kenyan politics could open up opportunities for new leaders to emerge.
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"It’s time for new leadership at the helm of Kenya's presidency," Havi stated, emphasizing that Odinga's move to a continental role could provide fresh leadership alternatives within Kenya.
Odinga is expected to be officially endorsed as Kenya's candidate for the AU position at a State House event today, Tuesday, August 27th. The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be attended by Heads of State from Eastern Africa.
However, Odinga faces significant competition for the role, particularly from Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf and Somalia’s former Deputy Prime Minister Fawzia Yusuf.
The AU Executive Council decided in May 2024 that the next chairperson should be from Eastern Africa, with Northern Africa providing the Deputy Chairperson. The elections to choose the new AUC leader will take place in 2025, as the current chair, Chad's Moussa Faki, concludes his tenure.
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