In a political bombshell that reshuffles the 2027 deck, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has revealed that ODM leader Raila Odinga never intended to retire, even as he campaigned for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

The revelation, carried in today’s dailies, confirms the worst fears of the Kenya Kwanza administration and the secret hopes of the opposition base. According to Junet, the "Baba" phenomenon was merely on a diplomatic pause, not a permanent vacation. This strategic ambiguity has allowed Odinga to remain the central gravity of Kenyan politics, keeping both allies and foes guessing.

Calculated Chaos

"Raila is a master of timing," Junet told a local publication. "The AUC job was a platform for Africa, but his heart remains in Kenya. He knows the job is unfinished." This statement contradicts the narrative that the AU role was a "handshake" exit package designed to stabilize the Ruto presidency.

• The Coalition Equation: This news complicates the ambitions of Kalonzo Musyoka and other Azimio principals who had started measuring the drapes at State House. If Raila is on the ballot, everyone else is fighting for the running mate slot.
• The Health Crisis: Amidst the high politics, the dailies also highlight a grim reality at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Renal patients staged a "tree-hugging" protest, desperate for dialysis drugs that have been out of stock for weeks. It is a stark contrast: while politicians plan for 2027, citizens are fighting to survive 2026.

The Long Game

Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi often says, "You cannot buy a politician, you can only rent them." Raila’s potential return suggests the rent is due. For President Ruto, the chessboard just got significantly more complicated. The "Hustler" may have conquered the mountain, but the "Enigma" is still in the valley, waiting for the floods.