- The former Prime Minister spoke after a meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at his Railways headquarters office.
- He said he is committed to the African dream of prosperity, peace, unity and stability for all.
Image: RAILA ODINGA/X
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has said his time to participate actively in Kenyan politics is over.
Raila said he will be concentrating on the continental campaigns as he eyes the African Union Commission chairman position.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Azimio boss said it is now a transitional phase from active participation in Kenyan politics to continental politics.
"You know that I'm going to begin to work for the continent, once I'm elected in February 2025," Raila said.
"At the moment, I'm involved in the (AUC) campaigns, but that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist. I'm not going to be active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I focus my attention on the continental campaign."
The former Prime Minister spoke after a meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at his Railways headquarters office on Wednesday.
He said he is committed to the African dream of prosperity, peace, unity and stability for all.
Raila said the African Union Commission needs strengthening and pledged to help African countries realise the dreams of their founding fathers—a united and prosperous continent.
"We're happy to see that Africa has come of age from the ashes of the Organisation of African Union, but today's African Union needs to be strengthened to enable African countries to realise the dreams of our Founding Fathers," Raila said.
"A united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa where citizens feel free and united and can work productively on the continent."
Raila said the continent still faces a myriad of challenges, including healthcare, education, wealth creation, and employment.
He pointed out cases where youthful African men drowned in the seas, trying to sneak into Europe for greener pastures.
The Azimio leader insisted that this should not be the case.
"As you know, many young African boys drown in the Mediterranean as they try to run away from poverty and the challenges on the continent; seeking greener pastures in Europe," Raila said.
"This doesn’t have to happen if we create a conducive and enabling environment for these people to get employed on the continent of Africa."
In July, Kenya formally submitted the ODM leader's bid for the African Union Chairmanship seat.
President William Ruto will officially launch Raila's bid for AUC chairmanship next week.
Mudavadi called on Kenyans to stand with the Azimio leader, adding that Raila has always represented the values and aspirations of Kenya.
"It is also programmed that next week, August 27, 2024, His Excellency President William Ruto will be formally launching the candidacy of the Kenyan candidate in the name of Raila Odinga," Mudavadi said.
"Hon Raila Odinga represents Kenya's voice, values and aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him, not just as a government but as a united people."
He commended the President and his administration for supporting Raila's candidacy.