- Onyonka said this was one of the most critical decisions, which was politically astounding.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has opined that late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s decision to contest for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position was a mistake.
Speaking on Tuesday, Onyonka said this was one of the most critical decisions, which was politically astounding.
“I think the idea of Raila going to the AU was not a good idea for the simple reason that there were issues; it was looking as if he was again continuing further to salvage President William Ruto,” Onyonka told NTV on Monday.
“By him becoming the head of AU, then Ruto was going to have another trophy to his name, saying, you see what I've done for this museum, you see I've made him,” Onyonka said.
He said President Ruto gave the idea of Raila running for the AUC bid much publicity, which was against the norm for AU candidates.
“Normally when people are looking for those jobs at the AU, even at the UN, you hardly will hear anything, because the engagements are very quiet, they're very private, the negotiations are regional,” Kisii senator stated.
Onyonka said once a candidate starts disclosing information about the people supporting him, they withdraw their support because they might not be comfortable with their decisions going public.
“If Rwanda is going to support you, immediately Congo comes in. Congo says, what is this Rwanda is doing? What is their benefit from this? If Uganda is supporting you, then you have to look at what Tanzania is thinking about? If you announce it the way they were announcing it, I didn't see them going far,” Onyonka said.
He said the way President Ruto spent money during the AUC campaign made everyone feel that it was about him.
Onyonka said this as thousands of Kenyans who supported and admired the late Kenya's political premier Raila Odinga continue to stream in at Migwena grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, to honour his first death anniversary.