Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has disclosed why the Kenya Kwanza side of the political divide is fully supporting Azimio leader Raila Odinga's bid to become the next chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ruku dispelled any claims that the government's move to support Raila's bid is a plan to lock him out of local politics.
He went on to say that people believe that without Raila in the picture the Kenya Kwanza administration will have it easy in the 2027 presidential election but he holds a different view.
Ruku explained it is easier for them to take on Raila in the ballot than it is for them to face Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
He added that if supported by Raila's base, Kalonzo, who is believed to be Raila's apparent successor should he get the AU job could have an easy ascent to the presidency.
"We are not supporting him as Kenya Kwanza so that he may not be in the race come 2027. By the way, it is much easier to deal with Raila Odinga at the presidential elections than dealing with Kalonzo Musyoka. Kalonzo does not have clear enemies that we can say in Mt Kenya he is a total enemy."
"It's more dangerous to deal with Kalonzo Musyoka as a presidential candidate supported by the base of Raila than Raila himself," Ruku said.
The Mbeere North legislator further noted that the main reason they are for Raila's candidacy at the AU Commission is because he is a Pan-Africanist.
He described the former Prime minister as one of the few people in Africa who know the history of how most, if not all African countries came to be what they are today.
Ruku added that this is also what makes Raila the best-placed person to hold the AU Commission boss job.
"It is good for us as Kenya Kwanza to support him because Raila Odinga is a pan-Africanist. He is the most appropriate guy to be the chairman of the AU Commission," he said.
"Raila Odinga has expressed his interest to seek the job as the chairman of the African Union Commission. It is not Kenya Kwanza, it is not the president who has told Raila please go for this."
Last week, Raila expressed interest in the job currently held by Moussa Faki of Chad, whose term ends in January next year.
Raila in a press conference said that he is willing and ready to serve in the AU Commission should he be called upon.
He has gone ahead to receive massive support from across the country and internationally following his announcement.
The Kenya Kwanza government has also pronounced itself on the matter, saying that they will set up the machinery to lobby for Raila as he eyes the job.
