Grapevine

Political ground to shift as Raila exits to focus on AUC campaigns

ODM leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

Kenyans are mulling the import of Kenya's political landscape without Raila Amolo Odinga, the man who has deconstructed, defined and redefined politics and on numerous occasions.

The Azimio leader's remarks that he was taking a break from local politics to focus on his African continental politics, though anticipated, have caused some ripples.

Raila’s absence in Kenya's political discourse as he crisscrosses the continent to woo African Head of State to support his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC), according to political experts, will lead to major political alignments even as the pundits differ on whether his influence will remain.

Azimio la Umoja coalition and ODM, where Raila is the undisputed head, are some of the key political institutions that have so far initiated succession politics with members of the entities angling themselves to replace Raila.