Gladys Boss: Raila Odinga has played crucial role in ensuring Kenya's peace, political stability
Boss said that Odinga has always prioritised Kenya's interests over his own, making him a key unifying figure in the country.
Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Boss has expressed her admiration for veteran politician Raila Odinga, highlighting his political longevity, selflessness, and crucial role in stabilising Kenya through several key historical moments.
Boss reflected on Odinga's contribution to the country, especially following the 2007 post-election violence.
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According to her, despite having arguably won the election, Odinga chose peace over conflict, and accepted the position of Prime Minister in a power-sharing agreement with former president Mwai Kibaki, prioritising national unity above personal ambitions.
"Raila Odinga won the 2007 election, but he chose to step down for the sake of peace. Despite having the option to challenge the results, he agreed to become Prime Minister to ensure the country's stability," said Boss.
She said that Odinga has always prioritised Kenya's interests over his own, making him a key unifying figure in the country.
Boss also commended Odinga's ability to bridge political divides, noting that even when in the opposition, he has always played a crucial role in stabilising the nation.
She said his cooperation with President Daniel arap Moi helped reduce tensions, while his appointment as Prime Minister during President Kibaki's administration further highlighted his role as a peacemaker.
Easing political tension
Odinga's continued influence was also seen in his 2018 handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, which helped ease political tensions following the 2017 election.
With Odinga now pursuing a position at the African Union Commission (AUC), Boss voiced her support for his candidacy, viewing it as a positive move for Kenya.
"Raila has always been the balancing act," Boss stated, affirming that Odinga's calling has always been to bring stability to Kenya.
"For that, we should continue to support him," she noted, insisting that Odinga's political journey will remain relevant regardless of the outcome of his current bid.
However, Odinga's path to securing the AUC chairmanship may not be a walk in the park.
Political experts, including Mukhisa Kituyi, the former secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), have expressed concerns about Odinga's chances, particularly due to the voting dynamics within the African Union.
Voting as a bloc
In an interview with NTV, Kituyi observed that French-speaking nations in the African Union typically vote as a bloc. With Djibouti's Mohamoud Youssouf, a French-speaking candidate, also vying for the position, Odinga could face considerable challenges in securing the seat.
"Normally, it is extremely difficult for the bloc to vote for a non-Francophone speaker if there is a French speaker among the candidates," Kituyi remarked.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi also weighed in, predicting that if Odinga fails to secure the AUC position, Kenya's political landscape would likely revert to its previous state.
He opined that Odinga’s ODM party would resume its place as the majority in the National Assembly and the Senate and return to its opposition role.
As he seeks to represent Kenya on the continental stage, Odinga's legacy remains integral both to Kenya’s history and his political future.
Whether or not he wins the AUC chairperson’s position, his impact on Kenyan politics is undeniable, and his supporters believe his relevance will continue regardless of the outcome.
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