I was not fired by African Union, Raila shed more light on AU job termination

 

ODM leader Rt. Raila Odinga

Raila Odinga, the head of Azimio, shed light on the political manoeuvres that led to the termination of his tenure as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa by the African Union (AU).

Raila said in a communiqué that was released on Thursday, February 23, that he had spoken to the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, voicing worries about his ability to fulfil his tasks.

"I outlined the obstacles that prevent me from maintaining my availability to serve in the post of AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

According to a portion of the statement, which went as follows: "In that respect, I applaud your prompt action that will enable me to address other critical and urgent problems."

Odinga thanked the African Union for providing him with the responsibility, describing it as both an honour and a tremendous joy to serve the people who reside on the African continent.

In addition to this, he discussed the role he played in ensuring the organisation that succeeded him in his responsibilities met Africa's requirements for the construction of new infrastructure.

"I am proud to have made a contribution to the transformation of the NEPAD Agency into the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), among other contributions during my tenure," the former Premier wrote in an essay.

"I am proud to have made a contribution to the transformation of the NEPAD Agency into the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD."

But he stressed that he would let the organisation know as soon as he was available for another continental assignment. He said that this would take place as soon as possible.

Odinga emphasised some of the difficulties he had during his time in office.

He cited inertia on the part of Africa's leadership as well as entrenched interests from outside the continent that are only too willing to retain Africa in its current position.

The new developments were brought to Raila's attention by Faki in a letter dated February 19th.

He expressed his gratitude to the Azimio Leader for his part in establishing infrastructure as a top priority throughout the continent.

As a result of Odinga's handshake with Kenyatta's predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, in 2018, he was elevated to the status of continental leader.