Raila dismisses reports that he’ll vie for 2022 presidency

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has dismissed reports indicating that he is set to make another attempt at the presidency come 2022 elections.

Mr. Odinga, through his spokesman Dennis Onyango, on Sunday distanced himself from the alleged 2022 presidential ambitions, saying he had not declared such a position.

“His Excellency Hon. Raila Odinga has read in today’s Sunday Standard a headline purporting that he intends to run for the Presidency of Kenya in 2022. The headline is based on an alleged position held by the Orange Democratic Movement and other persons identified as his closest allies,” read a statement issued by Mr. Onyango.

According to the former premier’s aide, Odinga is currently focused on the unity process he initiated together with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“One week ago, Hon. Raila informed the country from the podium of the funeral service of his fellow comrade in the struggle for multi-partysm the late Hon. Kenneth Matiba that his entire efforts are currently directed at the Building Bridges Initiative and the determination that he and His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta are engaged in to bring the country together and heal the ills that have afflicted it throughout the years,” said Onyango.

“If and when Hon. Odinga will want to communicate something different to the country, he will do so personally and directly on an open national forum.”

Quoting Siaya Senator James Orengo, one of Odinga’s closest political allies, the local daily had claimed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could field the opposition chief as its presidential candidate in 2022.

Orengo had been quoted as saying: “Some people are saying Raila should retire, but we firmly believe he has not accomplished his goal.” He is said to have made the remarks at the homecoming ceremony for Migori Woman Rep Pamela Odhiambo on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the 2022 succession politics continue to dominate the political field despite the polls being more than four years away.