Raila Odinga: Retire From Politics? Not Now

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has dismissed talks of his succession in Kenyan politics.

He made these statements on Sunday while attending a housewarming event hosted at his sister-in-law's home in Bondo sub-County. The comment comes in response to an earlier statement made by his elder brother Oburu Oginga indicating that leadership of the region might be handed over to the Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi. While Oburu later rescinded his position, his remarks have since stirred up diverse reactions.

Gem lawmaker Elisha Odhiambo has criticized the favouritism shown towards Wandayi, insisting that everyone should have an equal chance to lead Luo Nyanza. Odhiambo was among the group of lawmakers who were expelled from the Orange party on grounds of having shifted their loyalty and aligning with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government. On Saturday, he spoke to his supporters at his home in Mutumbu village, Gem, where he reiterated that endorsing Wandayi is illogical as Odinga had put in hard work to attain the position.

As Raila Odinga's succession politics gather momentum, other leaders are beginning to assert themselves as potential replacements to fill his position. Among them is Mr Odhiambo who has expressed interest in becoming the next secretary-general of the ODM party and even the next Luo Nyanza kingpin. Other potential successors include Babu Owino, Evans Kidero, Winnie Odinga, John Mbadi, Raphael Tuju, James Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o, Ochilo Ayacko, and Gladys Wanga.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has praised his deputy for delivering an excellent speech. In a statement on Monday, the Head of State shared a story about Rigathi Gachagua who used to ask him to translate phrases spoken by foreigners due to his struggles with the English language.

"When foreigners were speaking, he used to ask me to tell him what they were saying and I used to guide and explain to him properly," Ruto said on Monday.

Last week, the Deputy President made a playful comment about the impressive grasp of the English language by Luo Nyanza residents. He jokingly complained that the Interior PS, Raymond Omollo, was speaking too much English and asked the people of Nyanza to inform him that the DP was just an ordinary man.