Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga's quest to clinch the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position received a significant boost on Friday after a key challenger dropped out of the race.
Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister, who had been fronted by her government with the full support of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Raila at his office and backed the former Kenyan Prime Minister's bid.
"Glad to have discussed key issues regarding our continent with Fawzia Yusuf Adam former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister. Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress," Raila said in a post after holding a meeting with the former Somali Minister.
Fawzia threw her hat in the ring in February 2024 further complicating Raila's dream to secure the prestigious post. Her withdrawal from the African Union Commission chairperson race to support Raila Odinga is a strategic move that could enhance Raila's influence within the East African Community (EAC).
Her endorsement bolsters Raila's regional leadership image, potentially increasing his leverage in advocating for policies aligned with his vision for East Africa. In the broader EAC context, Fawzia's support could strengthen Raila's position in negotiating regional issues like trade and security. It may also promote stronger ties between Kenya and Somalia, fostering stability and collaboration.
Following Adam's decision to exit the race, Raila will still have to square it out with other top candidates such as Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, Mauritius' Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.
Raila however enjoys the support of President William Ruto and presidents across the East African Community (EAC) including Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda's Paul Kagame and Tanzania's Samia Suluhu.
This comes after the Kenyan government formally submitted Raila's documentation and candidacy for the coveted seat on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei exuded confidence in Raila's candidature and backed him to go ahead and clinch the seat against preety much formidable rivals.
“Under the authority of the Government of Kenya and as per the Statutes and Rules of the African Union Commission, we have today formally submitted requisite documentation of Kenya's nominee for for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, to the Dean of Eastern Region, H.E. Dharmraj Busgeeth, Ambassador of Mauritius, stated Korir.
Meanwhile, with his AUC campaign in high gear, back at home, Raila Odinga has in the recent past been scrambling to restore order in the ODM party with various young politicians aware of his potential looming departure to Addis Ababa seeking to secure key positions within the political outfit.
The ODM supremo is believed to have convened a meeting on Friday, August 9 to address these issues
The jostling for the position was accelearated by President William Ruto's decision to poach four senior ODM party officials to his cabinet. These include John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs).
