Nairobi, Kenya, February 17- Following Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has suggested creating the office of the Prime Minister to accommodate the veteran politician.
In a statement on Monday, February 17, Cherargei argued that establishing the position would be a suitable way to recognize Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s democracy. He emphasized the need to amend the 2010 Constitution to implement recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
“We must now fully implement the NADCO report by creating the office of the Prime Minister, allowing Raila Odinga to serve Kenyans in that capacity,” Cherargei stated. “We cannot let his leadership and experience go to waste, as the African Union did. This would be the best way to appreciate his efforts in advancing the rule of law and democracy.”
His remarks came shortly after Belgut MP Nelson Koech echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the Kenya Kwanza government should find a suitable role for the Azimio leader.
Speaking in a Monday morning interview, Koech acknowledged Raila’s vast political experience, stating that it would be beneficial to the government.
“Raila Odinga is returning home—how will he channel his energy, wisdom, and experience? We in Kenya Kwanza should recognize his value and create a structure that accommodates his expertise. If needed, we can revisit the NADCO report to find an appropriate position,” he said.
Raila’s AUC bid ended on February 15, 2025, during the AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf won the chairmanship. Youssouf secured 33 votes in the final round after an intense seven-round election process. Raila was eliminated in the sixth round with 22 votes, while Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister, Richard Randriamandrato, had exited in earlier rounds.
With his AU ambitions dashed, discussions are now emerging on how Raila could continue contributing to Kenya’s governance, with some leaders advocating for constitutional changes to create a high-profile position for him.
