ODM leader Raila Odinga will not take part in President Uhuru Kenyatta's succession battle but will instead focus on his new assignment, his spokesman Dennis Onyango has said.
The statement circulated on various social media platforms seems to contradict Raila Odinga's weekend statement at Yimbo where he said he's in local politics to stay.
"Those who think that I will not around due to appointment are mistaken. I am going nowhere. In fact, I will be criss crossing African capitals in a while but that does not mean I am going," he said.
On Friday, Raila along with President Uhuru Kenyatta shared a platform at DP William Ruto's Karen home with details of the 2 hours meeting remaining scanty.
And in the statement, Raila, who has often joined the succession debate, said he will be very keen with Infrastructural Development of the continent rather that persistent local politics.
"To provide the required leadership in this critical area, and in line with his previous pronouncements, Raila wishes to reiterate that he will not engage in Kenya’s succession politics ahead of 2022," he said.
"He also wants to unite Kenyans through the Building Bridges initiative," he said adding that Raila will continue operating from Nairobi where an office will be set up to coordinate his activities.
"Since the position will require frequent travels to foot-print member states and regional economic communities across the continent, he will work with NEPAD offices in the various regions to coordinate his activities," he said.
A source close to Uhuru's meeting with Raila and Ruto says that the president asked the to cool down the political temperatures by working on their roles.
Rift Valley politicians have been pushing Mr Kenyatta to openly declare support for Ruto but the president has often snubbed them.
The latest statement from Raila's team casts doubt on possibility of running in 2022 polls despite insisting in previous outings that he will play an active role.
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