Political analyst Ambrose Weda now says that opposition leader Raila Odinga’s recent nomination to the African Union has an equal measure of benefits and loses to the former Prime Minister.
Raila on Saturday during the Mashujaa day celebrations in Kakamega confirmed his nomination as the Special AU envoy for Infrastructure, announcing that he has accepted the challenge.
Speaking on ‘The Big Conversation’ on KBC English Service on Wednesday morning, Weda noted that Raila would henceforth be compelled to align himself with the Kenyan government, curtailing his opposition leader role.
On the brighter side, he observed, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chief will widen his reach, resulting in more recognition and honour as a continental icon.
‘’The nomination gives him more stature and is a plus on his curriculum vitae as a leader, but will at the same time control his opposition leadership role, as it compels him to be friendly to the government,’’ he said.
According to Weda, the continental job will also see Raila limit his local political operations as most of his time will be channelled towards delivering in line with his broadened deployment.
He noted that unlike until recently when his only job entailed appeasing his supporters and Kenyans, he now has a bigger role of serving the entire continent and its people.
‘’He will no longer have the time to involve himself in campaigns for Members of County Assembly or parliamentary aspirants. He now has a bigger constituency to serve and impress,’’ he added.
Raila’s nomination has since been endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta who has termed it a significant achievement to the nation, expressing confidence that Raila would give his country a bigger consideration once he assumes his roles.