Ruto Allies Push for Establishment of Powerful Office to Accommodate Raila in Government After AUC Loss

In the wake of Raila Odinga’s defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election, allies of President William Ruto are advocating for the creation of the Office of the Prime Minister to accommodate the veteran politician.

Raila, who lost the AUC race to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on February 15, 2025, during the AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, returns to Kenya with his political future under intense discussion.

Despite winning the initial rounds of voting, Raila was eliminated in the sixth round after securing 22 votes against Youssouf’s 26.

The proposal, which has gained traction within the Kenya Kwanza government, seeks to utilize Raila’s vast experience and leadership skills for the benefit of the nation.

Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, a prominent figure in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has been vocal about the need to find a role for Raila within the government.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show on February 17, Koech emphasized that Raila’s wisdom and experience should not go to waste.

“Raila Odinga is coming back home. What will he be doing with his energy, wisdom, and experience? I think we in Kenya Kwanza should accommodate that experience and counsel that he will give us, and I think it will improve our country,” Koech stated. He further suggested revisiting the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report to identify a suitable position for the former Prime Minister.

Koech’s sentiments were echoed by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who proposed the establishment of the Office of the Prime Minister as a fitting consolation for Raila.

In a statement issued on February 17, Cherargei argued that creating the position would not only honor Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s democracy but also ensure his continued involvement in national affairs.

“We must now fully implement the NADCO Report by amending the 2010 Constitution to create the office of the Prime Minister and allow Raila Odinga to serve Kenyans in that capacity,” Cherargei said. “We cannot allow such brilliant leadership and experience to go to waste the way the African Union did. This is the only way we can appreciate and reward him for his fight for the rule of law and democracy in Kenya.”

The push for a Prime Minister’s office is not entirely new in Kenya’s political landscape. The position existed during the Grand Coalition Government (2008–2013), with Raila serving as Prime Minister under President Mwai Kibaki. The role was abolished following the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, which established a purely presidential system.

The NADCO report, adopted by the National Assembly in December 2023, proposed several constitutional amendments, including the creation of the Prime Minister’s office and the Leader of the Opposition.

However, the implementation of these recommendations faced legal challenges. In April 2024, a High Court in Kiambu suspended the report’s enactment, citing potential constitutional crises.

Despite these hurdles, the recent calls from UDA members to revisit the NADCO report underscore a bipartisan recognition of Odinga’s potential role in national governance.

In response to his loss, Odinga expressed gratitude for the support received and acknowledged the efforts of President William Ruto in backing his campaign. President Ruto, in turn, lamented Africa’s missed opportunity to benefit from Odinga’s leadership at the continental level.

During a dinner in Addis Ababa on February 15, Raila praised Ruto’s campaign efforts, stating, “Ruto did everything possible for this campaign. He gave me all the logistical support I needed and made my appointments to meet all leaders on the continent.”

For now, the proposal is likely to face significant legal and political hurdles, including the need for constitutional amendments and potential resistance from factions within both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions.

As the debate gains momentum, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether the government will take concrete steps to implement the proposal or if it will remain a topic of political rhetoric. For now, Raila’s return to the national stage appears inevitable, with his allies and adversaries alike recognizing the value of his leadership in shaping Kenya’s future.