Raila Odinga //Photo courtesy
A section of Siaya County residents has expressed mixed reactions following Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, February 17, Elizabeth Auma Oduor, a resident of Siaya, expressed her disappointment, revealing that she was heartbroken by the loss. Auma admitted that she was so devastated that she could not work on Saturday, February 15. She further urged Raila to return home and contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
“Niko na uchungu sana (I’m heartbroken) after Raila lost, hata sijafanya kazi (I haven’t even worked today). Baba arudi, bado tunampenda. Lakini tumeumia. 2027 atakuwa president,” she stated.
left|Elizabeth Auma|right|H.E.Raila Odinga|Photo courtes
Hesbon Onyango, another resident from Bondo, echoed similar sentiments, urging Raila to focus on local politics rather than continental leadership. He argued that Kenya is grappling with critical challenges such as unemployment and food insecurity, which require the former Prime Minister’s attention.
“As Hesbon Onyango from Bondo, I can only say that Raila should just come back home. He is the people’s president. Come back, and in 2027, let him be on the ballot, not outside this country. Kenya has bigger problems—the youth do not have jobs, and there is no food. What is he going outside to do? We are very happy because Raila is coming home. Let him return, we will welcome him.”
However, not all residents were disappointed by Raila’s loss. A local identified as Oginga the Beast expressed his satisfaction, arguing that Raila’s continued presence in Kenyan politics is necessary for the country’s stability.
“You did not get that AU seat because we want you. Come back home—without you, Kenya cannot be Kenya. And without you on the ballot in 2027, there will be no election,” Oginga remarked.
While some Kenyans viewed Raila’s bid as a potential avenue to elevate the country’s global standing, others accused him of betrayal following his cooperation with President William Ruto. The reactions highlight the deep political divisions among his supporters, with a significant number still hopeful that he will vie for the presidency in 2027.
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