Friday, February 24, 2023 – The African Union has finally clarified why it relieved former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of his duties as AU High Representative for Infrastructure and Development for Africa on Thursday.
In what came as a shock to Raila Odinga, AU chairperson Moussa Faki said Raila’s job will not be taken over by New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
In an interview with one of the local dailies, a top AU official, who requested anonymity due to the nature of his job, said Raila Odinga was fired over his involvement in ‘endless politics’ in Kenya.
The official further said Raila Odinga was shown the door for failing to recognize William Ruto as the President of the Republic of Kenya.
The official said Ruto is a top member of the AU and the continental body cannot work with somebody who doesn’t recognize African Union Heads of State.
Since January, Raila Odinga, who lost to Ruto during last year’s presidential election, has been claiming that he doesn’t recognize Ruto as President, insisting that he rigged his victory during the hotly contested election.
The Kenyan DAILY POST