Raila Settles for African Union Top Job

In a grand ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto officially launched the candidature of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The event was attended by several East African Community (EAC) heads of state, including Presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. With great enthusiasm, President Ruto showered Odinga with praise, hailing him as the ideal candidate for the position. “Raila Odinga is not only a zealous Pan-African but also a champion of African unity, integration, and youth empowerment,” Ruto said.

Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship has been endorsed by Kenya, and President Ruto has committed to supporting his candidature wholeheartedly. The head of state expressed confidence that Odinga’s remarkable leadership and exemplary career make him a perfect fit to drive Africa’s transformation and Agenda 2063. “Raila Odinga is the optimal choice for this position, and I welcome the continent to rally behind his candidature to propel Africa to sustainable peace and a new era of shared prosperity,” Ruto said. The launch of Odinga’s campaign secretariat was also announced, which will be jointly led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and former US Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo.

Odinga, who exuded confidence in his ability to win the seat in the first round of the elections, pledged to push for the scrapping of visas for intra-Africa travel and the removal of trade barriers. He spelled out his vision of a united continent characterized by peace and prosperity for all, saying, “As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will offer participatory leadership to ensure delivery on the priorities of the African people as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063.” Odinga will contest against Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Richard James Randriamandrato, a former Madagascar Foreign Minister.

The launch of Odinga’s bid was attended by several dignitaries, including Burundi Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, Rwanda State Minister for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe, and former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete. President Suluhu lauded Odinga, saying, “He is not only a wise statesman but one who can make a strong case for Africa.” President Kiir, who is also the chairman of EAC, appealed to the region to rally behind Odinga, saying, “Let us talk to our friends across the continent to enable Raila to be the next chairman of the African Union Commission.” With the support of several African leaders, Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship is off to a strong start.