Odinga's AU Chair Bid Raises Questions Over 2027 Kenya Election Role
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Mr Odinga seeks to succeed current AU Commission chair Moussa Faki, whose term ends in 2023. If successful, Odinga would serve until 2028, missing the 2027 Kenyan election.
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Odinga's absence could hurt allied politicians in his strongholds who rely on his popularity to win seats. It may also aid ODM rebels and hand President Ruto an easier path to re-election.
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The move could trigger succession politics within ODM and Odinga's support bases, with leaders looking to fill the void left by his exit.
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Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka has declared his 2027 presidential ambitions and intends to inherit Odinga’s support bases, though some doubt his ability to do so without an endorsement.
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Odinga could still choose to resign from the AU job to run again in 2027. Analysts see him as Ruto's biggest threat to a second term.