Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has disclosed he will be announcing his political feature soon.
Raila made the revelation on Monday, February 24, 2025, during an address in Mombasa, the announcement coming barely after the veteran politician arrived back in the country from a brief rest in Dubai.
Raila has been out of the country since the culmination of the African Union Chairmanship race (AUC) elections where he lost the race to Djibouti’s counterpart Mahmmoud Youssouf Ali.
In what could be a major political announcement yet from the former Prime Minster, Raila said he will in the interim take time to consult widely with friends and his supporters.
“We are available for Africa but more importantly we are availed for Kenya. I’m back home here. I’m going to meet with my friends and supporters. I’m going to consult widely for the next step forward and in due process we will confirm our way forward and announce it,” Raila said.
Also present at the event were President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki.
Raila also emphasized that his decision to run for the AUC chair was independent and not influenced by Ruto.
“I want to thank my brother William Ruto, who stood by me. He never asked me to run for the AUC seat. I announced myself that I was going to run for the position of chair of AUC, and he only came after I made an announcement to say that he was supporting my candidature,” Raila stated.
Raila mentioned that some countries offered him accommodation and meals during his visits.
“The money that was spent was the money that was necessary just to hire transport to travel around and we were not living luxuriously. We were eating whatever was provided to us,” Raila stated.
“Other countries were very generous, they provided accommodation and so on. The government gave what was required and the Minister of Foreign Affairs was available 24-7,” he added.
The development comes amid calls from politician to incorporate the seasoned politician in to the government following his AUC loss.
Nandi senator Samson Cherargei led the calls for the appointment of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to government, suggesting that he should serve as the Prime Minister
The senator, a staunch ally of President Ruto, argued that Raila’s age and political experience make him well-suited for an advisory role within the government.
“Given his age, isn’t he qualified for a position to provide guidance to the nation? So let him come and be Prime Cabinet Secretary, occupy that position alongside the president and other leaders, and let’s build a Kenya focused on development,” he remarked.
