Raila Odinga’s Secret Dubai Meeting Exposed – What’s His Next Move?
The whereabouts of Raila Odinga have been a major point of discussion among Kenyans following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Since his loss, Odinga has neither returned to the country nor been seen publicly.
However, recent photographs surfaced, showing him in Dubai alongside some of his close allies. Among those in the picture were Simba Arati, an ODM deputy party leader; former Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho; and Sunna East MP Junet Mohammed.
Notably, Junet returned to the country immediately after Odinga’s defeat but later traveled back, seemingly to attend this particular meeting in Dubai.
Also present was businessman Suleiman Shabal, now emerging as one of Odinga’s key allies, along with the Speaker of Mombasa County Assembly, Aharub Khatri.
The meeting in Dubai has caused unease, particularly within the Kenya Kwanza administration. Political observers believe it was centered on discussing Odinga’s future, given his long-standing influence in Kenyan politics.
David Osiany, in a social media post, expressed hope that Odinga was not strategizing against the government but instead planning for the revival of the Pentagon, a previous political alliance.
He pointed out that Odinga has led half of Kenya for four decades, playing a crucial role in different administrations. Osiany suggested that, historically, whenever Odinga faced setbacks, he re-emerged stronger—citing his transitions from KANU to LDP and ODM, and later NASA.
He implied that betrayal has never deterred Odinga, raising speculation about his next political move.
What Was Discussed in Dubai?
Several critical topics were likely addressed during this meeting. One major concern was Odinga’s next step following his AU Commission bid loss. His political future remains a subject of debate, with many wondering whether he intends to remain active or if ODM will back a different candidate in 2027.
The discussion likely revolved around potential candidates, whether Odinga himself, Hassan Joho, or another contender.
If ODM opts out of fielding a presidential candidate, the alternative alliances they could pursue were also likely considered. Would they align with William Ruto’s government, or forge a new coalition with other political forces?
Another key issue in the meeting was parliamentary leadership. The reconstitution of parliamentary committees has been ongoing, and discussions likely focused on ODM’s positioning.
Recent developments saw ODM securing a share of key parliamentary committee roles, despite an earlier court ruling recognizing Kenya Kwanza as the majority party. Ruto’s administration agreed to cede some committees, such as the Budget Committee, to the opposition.
Therefore, Odinga’s team would have deliberated on how to distribute committee positions, deciding who would chair the lucrative Budget Committee and other significant roles.
The internal dynamics of ODM also featured prominently in the discussions. Currently, the party is divided into two factions. One, led by Junet Mohammed and aligned with Odinga, attended the Dubai meeting.
The other, led by James Orengo and Oparanya, is perceived as more independent. These factions have been pulling in different directions, occasionally making contradictory statements in the media.
A major focus of the meeting was likely how to unify these factions to prevent internal conflicts from weakening the party.
Furthermore, the meeting may have explored strategies for strengthening ODM in the event that Odinga does not vie in 2027. A robust ODM would ensure it secures a significant number of parliamentary and gubernatorial seats, enhancing its bargaining power.
Additionally, achieving a strong presence in Parliament would secure more political party funding, which is essential for the party’s sustainability.
A Friendly Gathering or a Strategic Retreat?
While these political deliberations took center stage, the meeting in Dubai might also have served as an informal retreat for Odinga and his allies. The shared photos were taken at an airport, indicating that the leaders were on their way back to Kenya.
Odinga is expected to attend the burial of the father of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi in Kilifi, a gathering that could provide further insights into his next political steps. His first public remarks after his AU Commission bid loss will be closely monitored to gauge his political direction.
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Conclusion
The Dubai meeting has sparked speculation about Odinga’s next move, with many awaiting his re-entry into active politics. Whether he plans to contest in 2027, back another candidate, or forge new political alliances remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear—his influence in Kenyan politics is far from over.
Raila Odinga’s Secret Dubai Meeting Exposed – What’s His Next Move?
