Wiper Party Kalonzo Musyoka speaking on February 3, 2025/SCREENGRABWiper Party Kalonzo Musyoka has said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga should retire if he loses the African Union Commission chairmanship seat.
Kalonzo said should Raila lose the bid, he should retire from active politics in the country.
Speaking on Monday during the Social Newsroom Show with journalist Mark Masai, Kalonzo, however, added that he wishes Raila well in the AUC bid, saying he stands out in that leadership role.
The Wiper leader said that the continent will benefit from Raila’s extensive skills should he clinch the seat.
“I don’t see how Raila Odinga would lose the chairmanship and come back and say he wants to lead Azimio. I would be amazed personally. That would not be the Raila I know. He must also have a reality check, for now, the option is he goes if he wins beautiful for himself, the country and the continent. If he loses, I think he should simply retire,” Kalonzo said.
“I would advise Raila to retire, and join former President Uhuru Kenyatta in that capacity. Retired statesmen.”
President William Ruto has fronted and backed Raila for the top continent’s job.
Raila will face off with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.
The three went head-to-head in a televised TV debate on December 13, 2024, where each used the opportunity to outline their vision of how they would lead the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The African Union Commission elections for the next chairperson will be conducted on February 15 and 16.
The union said the elections, to be taken in three rounds, will be preceded by the election of the six commissioners on February 12-13.
"The Assembly of Heads of State and Government elects and appoints the chairperson and deputy chairperson during their Session on the 15-16 February 2025," AU said.
The three went head-to-head in a televised TV debate on December 13, 2024, where each used the opportunity to outline their vision of how they would lead the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
