Lawyer Danstan Omari has given his views on why Opposition Leader Raila Odinga might not secure the African Union Commission Chairperson role.
In an interview on Monday, Omari said that Raila will only aspire to secure the seat but he will not succeed.
Giving his reasons, the lawyer said that the African Union made a move that might reportedly make it hard for Raila to get the position.
"It is unfortunate for Kenyans that Raila Odinga will not get the AU seat. If the AU wanted Raila to get that seat, they could not have appointed President William Ruto to be the person to preside over the elections of the AU Commission," Omari said on K24 TV.
The lawyer claimed that by Ruto playing the role of ' Chebukati' in the AU elections, he will be having a conflict of interest from the perspective of other African countries.
Raila last week made a surprise announcement of his bid for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson.
If endorsed for the seat, he will technically be edged out of Kenya's political landscape and the next General Election since he will be required to serve in the position until 2028.
Raila will also only retain his rights to vote in Kenya as a citizen but his hands will be tied and he will not take part in active politics.
Since the announcement, the opposition chief has garnered endorsements from various sectors, marking a pivotal moment in the journey of one of Kenya's most esteemed politicians vying for a leadership role on the African stage.
The government on Sunday said it fully backs opposition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the top African Union (AU) Commission job.
The Kenya Kwanza government urged leaders to put aside their political differences and rally behind opposition leader Raila's candidacy for the position of African Union Commission chairperson.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura affirmed that President William Ruto's administration was fully behind Raila's bid for the top AU job.
“If he gets an opportunity to serve us at the AU as the chair, we as Kenyans forget all our differences and rally behind a fellow Kenya. If Raila has expressed interest, we would rather have him there because when he is there the interests of Kenya are taken care of. We as a government fully support his candidature,” he said.
Azimio principals have also endorsed the coalition chief's resolve to contest the African Union Commission chairmanship.
The principals last week said the ODM boss is suited to take over the continental assignment that is falling vacant early next year.
"As Azimio we endorse Raila for the chairperson following Thursday's public announcement," Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
"We call upon our compatriots to give support to Odinga."
Kalonzo was accompanied by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP-K boss Eugine Wamalwa, PNU leader Peter Munya and Roots leader George Wajackoyah.
