Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa has expressed concerns about the government's decision to back Raila Odinga over former President Uhuru Kenyatta in his bid to become chair of the African Union Commission (AUC). 

During the burial service of former DIG King'ori Mwangi on Saturday at his Tetu, Nyeri County home, Karungo appeared to highlight the fact that Uhuru is a native of the same region as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting that support should be given to him rather than the opposition leader.

"I have heard that the country is supporting Raila Odinga, and then I asked myself, you want us to choose this person (Raila) when our Uhuru is here?" he posed.'


This follows the announcement made on Saturday by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party that they will support Odinga's bid for the position of AUC chairperson.

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"We welcome Raila's decision to take up the AU position...Raila is an African luminary...He deserves the position based on his contribution to the continent, and will immensely contribute to African unity," UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said.

"Raila has proved himself as a true Pan-Africanist. When Africa was going through dictatorship, Raila was there to condemn it...he adds up to Africa's great sons, and played a big role in African democracy."

The opposition leader held numerous consultations with his friends before formally declaring that he was prepared to run for the position.


"I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent. I'm ready, yes, to go for the chairmanship of the African Union," said Odinga.

Since then, Odinga's announcement has caused unease in the political scene as many have questioned if he will leave Kenyan politics permanently. 

Nonetheless, his defenders have insisted that he will continue to play a role in the country's political landscape. 

The current AUC chairperson, Chad's Moussa Faki, is scheduled to conclude his two-term tenure in January of next year, leaving the role vacant. 

In 2021, Faki was reappointed after winning a second term in office in 2017.