On Thursday, news broke that the African Union had parted ways with Raila Odinga who was holding the top role as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.
This sparked speculation on whether Mr. Odinga was let go from the role following his political activities that have seen him claim his victory in the August 2022 General Elections was stolen and his subsequent political rallies.
In a letter dated February 19, 2023, the African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki said that Raila’s role was coming to an end following the transformation of “the NEPAD Agency to African Union Development Agency-Nepad, with full mandate to implement the Continental agenda on infrastructure.”
“Your role in this journey has been invaluable. Allow me to express my profound gratitude for accepting to serve in this role during the transition period, which has now come to a happy conclusion,” said Mr. Faki in the letter.
As the news spread, Raila released his own statement in which he said that he had asked to be released from the duties. This, however, wasn’t mentioned in the African Union letter.
Raila: Ruto must resign. I won elections by over 2 million votes
“During our meeting on the sidelines of the 2nd Dakar African Infrastructure Financing Summit in Dakar, Senegal about three weeks ago, I indicated the challenges to my continued availability for the role of AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa,” said Raila in the letter dated February 23, 2023.
“In that regard, I welcome your quick action that will free me to pursue other pressing and urgent matters.”
Raila also said that he would indicate to the AU when he can be available for additional roles in the future. “I will be indicating when I might be available for deployment on continental assignment as circumstances change,” he said.
The ODM leader is currently planning to start mass political protests against the administration of President William Ruto in fourteen days.
