What is Raila’s next chapter in Kenyan politics?

By Georgina Mwikali

What lies ahead for Raila Odinga, Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader?

That is the main concern in Kenya’s political landscape following Raila’s defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race on Saturday, 15 February, 2025.

Already, some politicians within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition are suggesting that Raila should be co-opted into the government to continue serving the nation.

Leading the charge is Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who believes that the country can benefit from Raila’s extensive leadership experience.

On Monday, 17 February 2025, Koech, a key ally of President William Ruto, emphasised that Raila’s value lies not in titles, but in the vast political wisdom and insight he could offer to President William Ruto’s administration.

“It’s not really about positions for Raila Odinga. It’s about the resources he brings to us as a country,” Koech stated.

Re-introduction of Office of the Prime Minister

Koech, who chairs the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee in the National Assembly, suggested that the government could consider reintroducing the Office of the Prime Minister, a position that was part of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

“We could even do better by having the office of the Prime Minister. I’m just having a wild thought on what could happen,” Koech added.

His remarks are in line with a broader call from several UDA politicians, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who has urged the government to adopt the NADCO report’s recommendations and create the Prime Minister position.

“We must now fully implement the NADCO Report by amending the 2010 Constitution to create the Office of the Prime Minister and allowing Raila to serve in that capacity,” Cherargei said.

The call for reinstating the position is rooted in the belief that Odinga’s leadership and experience should not be left untapped, especially after his loss in the AUC election.

Seven voting rounds

Odinga’s defeat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marked the end of a tense seven-round voting contest, with Raila initially securing a lead but ultimately losing to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

Despite the setback, Odinga remained gracious, absolving President Ruto of any blame.

“Ruto did everything possible for this campaign. He gave me all the logistical support I needed, “said Raila, reaffirming his gratitude for Ruto’s backing.

President Ruto, who expressed disappointment at the election results, also praised Raila’s candidacy, stating, “Africa missed an opportunity to be served by the finest of our continent.”

This growing camaraderie between the two leaders has already resulted in the inclusion of several ODM members in Ruto’s cabinet, signaling a shift towards greater political inclusivity.

With the door to new political possibilities now open, the idea of elevating Odinga to a senior government role, whether as Prime Minister or in another capacity, remains a hot topic in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

Raila-Ruto political future

According to political analyst James Murache, the future of Raila’s next chapter in Kenya’s politics will determine the fate of their current political relationship with Ruto.

“It is not all lost for Raila. His political constituency is still intact. He can opt to challenge Ruto in the 2027 elections as a ‘revenge’ for his failed AUC bid. Given that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, Raila could opt to join hands with former Ruto allies like impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” Murache tells Newsflash.