Political analyst Josphat Kamanya has predicted that if leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Raila Odinga accepts the invitation to compete for head of the African Union (AU) Commission, it will have catastrophic ramifications for the opposition and the country at large. According to reliable sources, President William Ruto is endorsing Raila in the contest for the job and guaranteeing the government's support should he be elected.
While Raila's appointment would be a major turning point in Kamanya's career and a triumph for Kenya internationally, he said in an interview with TV 47 on Saturday night that it will also weaken the opposition, making it easier for the government to pursue its intended agenda.
"Raila is the official leader of the opposition and also the leader of the oldest, strongest, and largest political party ODM and which is the biggest party in the Azimio fraternity." "If the attempts by Kenya Kwanza to have Raila take up the AU job go through, it will be good for Kenya Kwanza, but that will be the saddest day for Kenyans because the opposition will fully be compromised."
"Who will take over as the government's opposition watchdog if he departs? What would happen and who would the presidential candidate be if the ODM party decided to back him or her in 2027? However, I think Raila would be better served by focusing on reviving his party and developing future MPs rather than taking the AU post."