Kenyans React As Raila Odinga Quits Kenyan Local Politics: "I Will Miss Baba"

• On Wednesday, August 21, ODM leader Raila Odinga announced that he had taken a sabbatical leave from local politics
• The Azimio leader said he will concentrate on his campaigns for the African Union Commission chairperson's seat
• Some Kenyans celebrated Raila's move; others said they would miss his input in the local political scene

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions following ODM leader Raila Odinga's announcement that he will not participate actively in Kenyan politics.

Why Raila Odinga is quitting active politics

On Wednesday, August 21, the Azimio la Umoja leader announced that he would concentrate on the continental campaigns while pursuing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairman position.

The veteran politician pointed out that he is currently in the transitional phase from active participation in Kenyan politics to continental politics.

"You know that I'm going to begin to work for the continent once I'm elected in February 2025. At the moment, I'm involved in the (AUC) campaigns, but that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist. I'm not going to be active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I focus my attention on the continental campaign," Raila said.

Raila's unexpected announcement attracted mixed reactions from Kenyans.

Some said they will miss Raila's involvement in local politics, given his role in shaping Kenya's political landscape.

How Kenyans reacted to Raila's announcement

Others seemed to wish him bad luck, given the recent move by the ODM party to join hands with President William Ruto's government.

OTWOMA THE BRAND:

"This is the most painful video on the internet today. I will miss Baba Raila Odinga 🫡."

Mr. Angel:

"I wish you Baba all the best. You are well ahead of your competitors. Now that ODM is in government, you can relax and focus on bringing this sit home."

Nyabasa Danvas:

"What are you waiting for?? It’s time to declare yourself as ODM leader."

jonniewan:

"Who even cares?hang the gloves. A good dancer knows when to exit the stage, clearly he doesn’t!"

kim Bo:

"It was the condition for support by the government."

Mr Kimani:

"We will be there to witness another disappointment."

Evanz Mwanzu:

"We don't care please, go in peace, we are tired!"

Why Kalonzo is unhappy with Raila leading the opposition

Elsewhere, Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka vowed to take over the leadership of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party.

During a press briefing in Embu on Sunday, August 18, Kalonzo said ODM leader Raila Odinga will not be allowed to continue leading the opposition after joining hands with President William Ruto.

According to Kalonzo, Raila cannot continue leading Azimio la Umoja, yet his party has 'joined' the broad-based government.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke