Raila: I'll soon announce my next political move

Speaking on Monday at State House, Mombasa, after talks with President William Ruto, Raila said he will soon be meeting his supporters and friends for consultations before making his next political move.

“I am going to consult widely and in due course we are going to announce our way forward,” he said.

The talks between the two leaders focused on the concluded AUC elections in which Raila lost to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf after getting the requisite 33 votes in the 7th round of voting.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was also present.

The ODM leader also stated that his party was ready to work with others for national unity.

He further thanked President Ruto for his full support throughout the campaign as he stressed that his decision to run for the seat was personal.

“I want to thank my younger brother Ruto who stood by me. He never asked me to run, he only came after I made the announcement,” he explained.

“He did support my candidature, he supported me not by word but also by deed. He put up machinery to help the campaign.”

According to Raila, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was always available during the campaign period to book appointments.

In his address, Ruto heaped praises on him reaffirming that he was available for all his appointments to different countries and canvas his candidature.

“His candidature brought all Kenyans together from the different political sides,” said Ruto adding that he represented Kenya very well.

He said Kenya had the best candidate who did what he needed to do to secure the seat.

Raila at the same time dismissed as untrue reports that they spent Sh13 billion on the AUC campaigns.

He stated that the money spent was necessary for transport to travel around while maintaining that they were not living luxuriously.

“We were eating what we were being given and many countries were generous and provided accommodation,” he said.