Oburu Odinga retracts his endorsement on Raila successor
Oburu Odinga retracts his endorsement of Opiyo Wandayi as Raila successor in Luo Nyanza region
Oburu Odinga retracts his endorsement of Opiyo Wandayi as Raila successor in Luo Nyanza region.
Siaya Senator has made a U-turn on his endorsement of National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi as a successor to Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga in the Luo community.
Speaking on Monday, September 4 in Kisumu, Oburu, who is an elder brother to Raila said he has no powers to anoint Raila’s successor.
He added that he has not anointed any politician to take over from Raila as the next Luo kingpin.
“There is no political vacuum as yet to be filled by anyone. Raila is still firmly on the steering wheel and is doing good,” he said.
Oburu said his remarks on Wandayi were misinterpreted by the media.
“It now appears that I endorsed Wandayi to take over from Raila. I only encouraged Wandayi to work hard. I did not anoint him. I said he is doing well and he is among those in Raila’s line to watch in the future,” he explained.
The Siaya Senator went on to say the succession matter is something that could present itself in the future but it should not raise alarm.
“We have many young and experienced old people who can still emerge. All of them have equal chances to lead,” Oburu added.
Oburu spoke amid a raging storm over his recent remarks that Minority Leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi was best suited to succeed Raila.
Oburu said Raila’s age mates could not possibly feature as Raila’s successors.
“How do you talk of Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o and Siaya Governor James Orengo, as a possible successor to Raila, look at their ages,” he laughed off.
He said some succession suggestions were “outrageous and not politically feasible”, or even tenable.
His u-turn comes days after he said Wandayi has proved to be a political master who knows the body language of Raila well.
Ruto’s allies respond to Raila over his criticism on ‘Mambo ni Matatu’ remark by the president
Uganda warns Ruto over ‘Brookside’ milk deal
Lobby group plans to paralyse Ruto-Raila talks
Zibwabwe to lock out diplomats whose presidents skip Mnangagwa’s inauguration
Kalonzo U-turn on recognizing Ruto presidency
US opens registration for Green Card Lottery, DV 2025; Find the link to apply
“Wandayi has proved to be a political master who knows the body language of Raila very well and always acts in his interests with precision,’’ Oburu said at a function in Ugunja Constituency, which is represented by Wandayi, in what elicited debate.
He also said Wandayi is a brilliant politician who had learned his political skills in the footsteps of Raila.
“There is nowhere Luos sat down and endorsed Raila as their political kingpin. Raila is self-made politically,’’ Oburu said.
But his praises on Wandayi did not sit well with a section of the political class in Nyanza who read bias and could stoke political division or rivalries.
ODM Chairperson John Mbadi, who is also the Public Accounts Chairperson in the National Assembly, claimed the statement was unwarranted.
Mbadi also laughed at suggestions by Oburu singling Wandayi as fit, terming him as “a greenhorn among the current senior political cohorts.”
“He is still very young in politics to unite everyone, the same way Raila had done for years. Those are just wishful thinking far from reality,” he said.
But Wandayi welcomed Oburu’s enforcement expressing gratitude for spotting his political and leadership potential.
“I am humbled by Dr. Oburu’s suggestions. I can’t shy from thanking him and I will endeavor my best to realize the call,” he said.
Also read,
Gabon interim leader, Nguema defends coup against Ali Bongo, “Our action was necessary”
Ruto moves to abolish VISA requirement for any visitor traveling to Kenya
Ruto responds on ongoing coups in Africa
UK announces £49m support to African countries at inaugural Climate Summit in Nairobi
Why police blocked Raila motorcade in Narok (VIDEO)
Follow us
