Raila Odinga Finally Accepts William Ruto’s Position Since August 2022 Polls
Updated Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 3:08 PM
By Didacus Malowa
President William Ruto’s meeting with Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga has sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape
The ODM leader has long cast doubt on Ruto’s presidency with claims that the 2022 General Election was rigged in favour of the latter
However, following their recent meeting at President Yoweri Museveni’s home, Raila seemed to soften his stand as he referred to Ruto as president
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kisozi – Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga seems to have taken a different view on President William Ruto’s presidency.
President William Ruto and Raila Odinga during the meeting at President Yoweri Museveni’s Kisozi home. Photo: Raila Odinga. Source: Twitter
The former premier has, in the last 18 months, rejected Ruto’s presidency and even resisted referring to him as head of state.
However, following their meeting at President Yoweri Museveni’s Kisozi home, Raila issued a statement that caught the attention of all in the political landscape.
How did Raila refer to Ruto?
In his statement, the ODM leader said they met following an invite from the Ugandan strongman, referring to Ruto as ‘President’, arguably the first time since he ascended to office in September 2022.
Raila said at the top of the agenda was the East Africa Community’s unity and strengthening the ties that bind the nations.
“Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President @KagutaMuseveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President @WilliamsRuto today to discuss the deepening of regional integration within the East African Community,” he wrote.
Post
Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President
@KagutaMuseveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President
@WilliamsRuto today to discuss the deepening of regional integration
within the East African Community.
1,538 Reposts 194 Quotes 9,317 Likes 105 Bookmarks
What was discussed during Ruto-Raila meeting with Museveni? Raila revealed the Ugandan head of state initiated talks into his bid for the African Union Commission’s top seat.
He expressed his gratitude to the heads of state for supporting his candidacy for the seat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“Crucially, at the urging of President Museveni, we also discussed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it,” he added.
Implications of Raila’s AU bid Raila Odinga’s quest to become the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) triggered projections on his political standing after decades of playing it locally.
Senator Samson Cherargei said President William Ruto’s administration will not blindly support ODM leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the AU job.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party principals threw their weight behind their leader Raila’s bid for the top AU position.
Source: TUKO.co.ke