GAUCHO: Ruto’s ’27, govt support based on Raila being sworn in as AU chair

December 31, 2024 - National, News - no comments

BY MANUEL ODENY

Nuru Okanga and Calvince Okoth Gaucho with Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga at a past political rally.

An opposition political activists has said support for President William Ruto and his government ahead of 2027 general elections will depend with the outcoming of Africa Union chair elections.

Calvince Okoth Gaucho said they are looking closely the African Union Commission chair elections slotted for February on a political scope.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti is facing off with former Kenya Prime Minister and opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga alongside Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.

As elections for the continent body is gaining steam, Raila decided to work closely with President William Ruto with key allies from his Orange Democratic Movement party joining the government.

“If Raila doesn’t hold the bible and he is not sworn as the AU chair then Ruto should reconsider his second term chances,” Gaucho said.

Gaucho said some support base of Odinga, including him who has been accorded chance to board state and private choppers have taken the AUC election to the heart.

“We pray for Raila to be the chair and we are thankful that the president has shown committed we pray he wins, otherwise we will insist we sit down again as renegotiate our broad based pact,” Gaucho added

He was speaking on Monday in Migori town during an annual tournament t organised by Suna East MP and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed.

Majority leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa graced the occassion.

While Gaucho added as abrasive in his speech and received a rousing reaction from the crowd at Migori stadium, other elected leaders who spoke on the matter took a more moderate tone.

Ichungwa, who is Ruto’s key ally said the government was keen to serve all Kenyans.

Junet said they will continue to work closely with government and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ruling party as good neighbours.

“Our party ODM and UDA are like very good neighbours, but we have our internal leadership which is intact,” Junet said.

Kasipul Kabondo MP Ongondo Were said February will be key for the country and the continent as “we are looking forward to the swearing in.”

Nyatike Tom Odege said despite Raila heading to AUC there will be no leadership vacuum as the party had leadership structure to give direction.

“Only a fool leaves his house and goes to another house, our house is ODM as Baba (Raila) is going to Addis Ababa, we will talk with Baba and Ruto as we will continue to work together,” Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma said.