The political stature of opposition leader Raila Odinga was reaffirmed on Monday afternoon as President William Ruto and his deputy, Professor Kithure Kindiki, repeatedly referred to him as “Prime Minister” during their speeches at State House, Mombasa.
Odinga returned to the country after a two-week absence following his defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Youssef.
Upon arrival, he headed straight to the coastal city, where he was warmly welcomed by President Ruto and Professor Kindiki.
During the event, President Ruto consistently addressed Odinga as “Prime Minister,” a title he held from 2008 to 2013. Professor Kindiki also used the same term, signaling a possible shift in the political relationship between the two leaders.
Odinga had traveled to Mombasa to express gratitude to President Ruto for his administration’s support during his AUC campaign, which was fully funded by the government.
The event raised eyebrows as, in the past, political tensions between Ruto and Odinga often led to the latter being referred to as “former Prime Minister.”
“We thank God that despite the outcome of the AUC election, President Ruto and Raila Odinga continue to work together. I take this opportunity to thank the President and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, even though we did not win the AUC seat. You continue to collaborate with other leaders. Welcome, honorable Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to address us before inviting the President,” Kindiki remarked.
Typically, it is Kindiki who invites the President to speak at public events, but yesterday, the privilege was given to Odinga—a move that hinted at growing political camaraderie.
When he took to the podium, President Ruto commended Odinga for his resilience in the AUC race, emphasizing that Kenya had fielded a strong candidate.
“I want to emphasize what the Deputy President and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have said—we had a formidable candidate for the AUC position,” Ruto stated.
“When Prime Minister Raila Odinga declared his interest in the seat, we submitted his candidacy through the Cabinet, which decided that the government would fully support his campaign,” he added.
The political discussion in Kenya now revolves around whether Odinga is being considered for an official government position following his AUC loss.
Some leaders from both Kenya Kwanza and the opposition ODM party believe that he should not be left out of government.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech suggested that the Kenya Kwanza administration would not oppose Odinga taking up a role in government.
“We would perform better if we had a Prime Minister’s office led by Raila Odinga,” Koech remarked.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is set to meet Odinga today, further fueling speculation about political realignments.
ODM is expected to hold a meeting tomorrow, where sources suggest Odinga’s collaboration with Ruto’s administration will be formally endorsed, with the primary discussion centering on what position the opposition leader might assume in government.
Political analyst Martin Andati noted that the main challenge for Kenya Kwanza is how to integrate Odinga into government without sidelining Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
“Many in ODM want Raila to be given an official role, but where does that leave Musalia? Keep in mind that the creation of a Prime Minister’s position is part of the NADCO report, but it would still require a referendum,” Andati explained.
