Raila: Uhuru Will be My Advisor When I Become President

ODM leader Raila Odinga has revealed the role President Kenyatta will play in his government should he ascend to power this year.

In an interview with BBC’s Sophie Ikenye in London on Tuesday, Odinga said Kenyatta will be an advisor in his government, adding that he will consult him on various matters.

“He will help me with advice. I shall be consulting him just as he consults me now,” said Odinga.

Odinga, who is eyeing the presidency under the Azimio La Umoja coalition, also described Kenyatta as an experienced leader who can also handle business and diplomatic matters.

“He can handle business and also diplomatic matters, the way I serve at the African Union, and many more. There are many capacities President Kenyatta can serve in,” he added.

At the same time, Odinga (77) hailed President Kenyatta’s legacy and pledged to complete all the projects started under his administration.

“Uhuru Kenyatta has done a lot infrastructure-wise, but all that is like water in the ocean, we will continue to expand the road and electricity network across the country to boost the economy,” Odinga said.

Odinga also dismissed claims by his critics that he is a State project and President Kenyatta’s puppet, saying he has a good working relationship with the president. 

“Raila Odinga cannot be anyone’s puppet. I have worked with President Kenyatta when I was Prime Minister. He was my deputy and we did a good job,” he said.

He continued: “When we had differences and took oaths as presidents, the country was in chaos and almost disintegrating and that is why we decided to come together because the country is more important than any of us.”

Last week President Kenyatta endorsed Odinga, who is giving his fifth stab at the presidency, as his preferred successor. 

“The next president of Kenya will be Raila Amollo Odinga. He has the ability and the willingness and God will enable him to see Kenya move forward while united, to fight corruption and to continue being a respected country across the world. I'm sure that once he takes over, he will not leave his brothers and sisters behind," said Uhuru during the Azimio La Umoja convention.