Kioni: Raila told us he was done with politics immediately after 2022 election

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni disclosed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga informed a small group of political allies shortly after the 2022 General Election that he intended to retire from active politics. According to Kioni, Raila convened a meeting in Mombasa after the election and told the assembled figures that his political career was ending.

He urged the younger politicians present to identify a successor and begin preparations for the 2027 General Election. Kioni further revealed that Raila believed he would not be contesting the presidency again, stating, "Even if Raila were alive today, he wasn't going to run." This account provides insight into Raila's thoughts following the disputed 2022 presidential election, where he challenged the results but ultimately lost to William Ruto.

Despite the controversial election, Raila remained a prominent political figure in Kenya, leading opposition activities and pursuing the African Union Commission chairmanship, which he won in February 2025. His political role in Kenya expanded, leading to a cooperation agreement between President William Ruto and Raila in March 2025.

Kioni's recent remarks are significant as he has previously criticized the political arrangement, accusing Raila of distancing himself from the wider coalition after the 2022 election. Raila died in October 2025, leaving a void in Kenyan politics and creating a leadership question for the 2027 election.