Azimio leader Raila Odingas bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) seems to be encountering challenges on multiple fronts.
His opposition is intensifying both domestically, due to his firm stance against the government, and regionally, with other countries working to thwart his ambitions.
This situation puts him in a precarious position as he navigates the complexities of his candidacy.
Mr Odinga, who seemed to enjoy united support from government, is now walking a tight rope amid the back and forth between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio.
This comes even as Somalia and Djibouti, which have also fronted candidates for the position, advanced their campaigns to lead the regional body.
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Locally, the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio leaders have clashed over Mr Odingas bid, following his criticism against the government last week over what he termed as failure to manage the floods situation in the country.
While pro-government politicians believe Mr Odinga should not go against any government position at this time when he has won its backing for the AUC post, the Opposition brigade insist the position should not be used to gag the former prime minister.
But even as Mr Odinga seeks to navigates these challenges, he might have gotten some reprieve yesterday after the government reaffirmed its support for his bid.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Singoei moved to dispel fears that the government could abandon Mr Odingas quest, insisting that it remains focused on the countrys candidate.
Toned down hard tacklesThe governments position on its candidate for AUC chair remains unchanged, Dr Singoei told Nation.
Mr Odinga who seemed to have toned down his hard tackles against the Ruto administration, in a turn of events last Friday came out guns blazing, telling off the President over his failure to steer the country properly.
Speaking while donating food to flood victims in Nairobis Mukuru slums, the ODM leader accused President Ruto of running a corrupt system that would not address the plight of Kenyans.
During our protests, they claimed we were making it difficult for them to deliver their promises. It is now one year down the line and they have nothing to show.
Even if they are given 10 years, Zakayo (Dr Ruto) will do nothing, Mr Odinga charged.
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He went on to accuse Dr Ruto of employing corrupt individuals who have continued to preside over graft, mentioning the fake fertiliser saga.
They were warned early enough about the coming rains, but did nothing to put in place contingency measures and are now telling people to move to higher grounds. Where are those higher grounds? These are people sleeping on the job, he posed.
Mr Odingas tough stance against the government came as a surprise, even catching President Rutos allies off-guard.
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Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and his National Assembly counterpart Kimani Ichungwah were the first of the Presidents confidants to fire salvos at Mr Odinga.
Tingas (Mr Odingas) constituency now is African Presidents. They hold the key to his next election. He is out here insulting a man they all hold in high regard. On election day, when they evaluate his credentials, how do you imagine it will end? Mr Cheruiyot posed.
Mr Ichungwah termed Mr Odingas recent trip to Dubai as a poisoned chalice.
He reconnected with the very guys who promised him the Presidency, but delivered hot air, said Mr Ichungwah.
He claimed that Mr Odinga was ill-advised to attack President Ruto with the hope of securing the AUC post
But Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a co-principal in Mr Odingas Azimio, warned Kenya Kwanza politicians against blackmailing the former premier.
'We have heard Kenya Kwanza leaders castigating Mr Odinga for what he said in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. I don't know if the Kenya Kwanza leaders thought they could compromise him because of his quest,' he wondered.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said President Rutos support for Mr Odingas AUC bid should be unconditional.
You cannot pocket Raila Odinga or Edwin Sifuna. If someone is giving you support, it should be unconditional.
If the government is unable to deliver, they should not try to silence Raila, Mr Sifuna said at Friends Church Mashimoni in Kibra on Sunday.
Mr Odingas lawyer, Mr Paul Mwangi, said the ODM leader's quest for the AUC job was not a matter of l
