Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party presidential candidate Raila Odinga gave his fifth stab at the country’s top office.
The 77-year-old’s fifth attempt to lead east Africa’s largest economy in the August 9, elections was presumably the last one due to his advancing age.
However, speaking on Friday, October 28, the former Prime Minister ruled out retiring from active politics even after losing the presidency to William Ruto.
Raila who was addressing mourners at the burial of his wife’s bodyguard in Siaya County said he will exit active politics when his time to retire will come.
“When my time to retire from politics comes, I will peacefully exit the stage. There shouldn’t be any discussion about that. Our focus now should be reforming the politics of this country so that democracy may thrive,” Raila said.
The former Prime Minister urged his supporters to desist from speaking on his retirement adding that he still got a lot to do for Kenyans as regards the state of the democracy in the country.
“Do not give up. Be strong because I am not yet tired. Should I give up or continue? I will give directions on the path we shall take when the time is right.
Raila who’s the Supreme Court quashed his presidential petition challenging the election of President William Ruto further apologized for the loss.
He said he will not be vying for the presidency to enrich himself but to liberate the country and make Kenya a better country.
“I want to apologize for what happened (election loss). Such is life everywhere, but we must soldier on. The search for liberation is not about Raila. I don’t vie in elections to enrich myself, we want a better country. What happened in Kenya is comparable to what’s happening across the globe,” Raila said.
