NAIROBI, Kenya – The intrigues surrounding the candidature of Raila Odinga ahead of the African Union Commission Chairperson elections have taken a new twist after outspoken Saboti MP Caleb Amisi vowed to stop criticising President William Ruto.
Amisi, a close ally of Raila and elected to his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has been a fierce critic of President Ruto’s administration.
For instance, in late January, Amisi took a swipe at the head of state, accusing him of associating himself with political rejects from the Western Kenya region during his week-long development tour of the area.
“Ruto has been walking with political rejects and dinosaurs, although on his western tours, it is booing and jeers. The young blood is coming to shape the western region, to your surprise. They will not believe it!” said Amisi.
How MP Caleb Amisi made an abrupt about-turn
But in a new twist of events, the youthful MP said he will support President Ruto until the AUC Chairperson elections are concluded in the Ethiopian capital.
“From today until AUC elections are officially over, I will not criticise Ruto and his government,” Amisi posted on his official X account.
Amisi also said that he will leave no stone unturned in supporting Raila’s AUC chairperson bid.
“I am told Ruto may choose not to vote for Baba because of Caleb and others who speak up against his bad policies. I deny you that excuse, Mr. President, go yee and vote in Baba; after that, tutaulizana maswali mbili tatu hivi! All the best, @RailaOdinga,” he added.
Why President William Ruto should trade carefully
Already, Amisi has cautioned President Ruto over the escalating Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crisis.
“Dear Ruto, one vote is crucial in this AUC election. Please don’t tinker with Congo by committing geopolitical blunders in this DR Congo crisis. You mess up with Congo relations with Kenya, and you mess up Burundi, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and possibly Rwanda votes,” Amisi warned.
Raila is anticipated to face Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti in the Saturday, February 15, 2025 elections.
The winner will replace Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing chairperson, who has held the position for two terms.
The next annual summit of the heads of state and government of the AU will include the elections for the next chairperson of the AUC.
