Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has reaffirmed that his bid to become the fifth African Union (AU) Commission chairperson will not stifle the opposition’s voice.

Speaking on Wednesday, he said that he would be just a two-hour flight away from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he would be stationed if his candidacy succeeds.

“I will be available and whenever called I will answer. I am ready to work with you people,” he said.

Raila’s recent dalliance with President William Ruto, who has subsequently supported his candidacy, has sparked concerns about potential compromises within the opposition.

However, during his address to delegates at the Homa Bay Investment Conference, Raila emphasized that the opposition would continue to be “unbeatable.”

Azimio la Umoja co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka had earlier reassured that there would be no leadership vacuum within the Azimio coalition should its leader Raila secure the AU job.

“If you are missing Baba, there is Uncle Stevo,” Kalonzo said.

As Raila prepares to exit Kenya’s domestic political scene, certain leaders, particularly within the ODM party, are positioning themselves for potential succession.

The individuals seen as contenders to lead the influential opposition group are former Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega).