Raila Clears the Air on Claims of Running for Presidency in 2022

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has downplayed claims that he will be running for Presidency during the next general elections.

In statement dispatched to newsrooms by his spokesperson Dennis Onyango on Sunday, Odinga stated that those from his camp claiming that he will run for office in 2022 are doing so as individuals.

"The headline is based on an alleged position held by the Orange Democratic Movement and other persons identified as his closest allies."

"One week ago, Raila informed the country at the funeral service of Kenneth Matiba that his entire efforts are currently directed at the Building Bridges Initiative and the determination that he and President Uhuru Kenyatta are engaged in to bring the country together and heal the ills that have afflicted it throughout the years," the statement reads

He further urged Kenyans not to be distracted by 2022 succession politics and instead focus on national reconciliation.

“H.E Odinga further appeals to Kenyans to stay focused on the critical issues contained in the Building Bridges project and healing the nation and reiterates the need for Kenyans to address themselves to the future that we would want our children to live in and refuse to be distracted by the politics of 2022,” read the statement in part.

On Saturday, Siaya senator James Orengo said that Raila would not retire from politics in 2022, noting that he has his eyes set on the Presidency.

“If and when Hon. Odinga will want to communicate something different to the country, he will do so personally and directly on an open national forum,” the statement further read.