How Raila’s AUC Candidacy Shifts Political Landscape in Mt Kenya in 2027

Politicians who have been using the name of the leader of the Unity Alliance, One Kenya’s Raila Odinga, to build themselves politically in the Mount Kenya region may face a tough challenge if the leader is appointed as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

According to former Deputy Minister (CAS) of Education in the government of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr. Zack Kinuthia, these politicians will have a difficult task convincing the citizens in the 2027 elections as they will have nothing to attribute to Mr. Odinga.

For a long time, many politicians have accused Mr. Odinga of being the “political enemy” of that region.

Some of the politicians who have been and continue to be outspoken critics of Mr. Odinga include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah, MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), and John Njuguna ‘Kawanjiku’ (Kiambaa), among others.

However, Mr. Kinuthia said that considering it is uncertain whether Mr. Odinga will be in the presidential race or not, many politicians in the region will have to use alternative strategies for their campaigns, as they cannot solely rely on blaming and criticizing Mr. Odinga.

“If Mr. Odinga eventually succeeds in being elected as the Chairperson of the AUC, many politicians in the Mount Kenya region will be left in limbo. They will find themselves at a crossroads, especially if they haven’t fulfilled the promises they made to their constituents. My prediction is that the absence of Mr. Odinga in Kenyan politics will mark the end for some politicians,” said Mr. Kinuthia.

Nevertheless, he stated that this would be the beginning of “a new dawn in politics in the region, as many residents will open their eyes and start scrutinizing the performance of their leaders.”

“For many residents of the Mount Kenya region, this will be the beginning of their emancipation from the baseless political animosity against Mr. Odinga. Without a doubt, many will start to open their eyes and evaluate the performance of these politicians,” added Mr. Kinuthia.