President William Ruto has unveiled the strategy to propel Raila Odinga into the highest office at the African Union Commission (AUC), marking a significant shift in Kenya's diplomatic landscape.
Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, has been appointed as the head of Odinga’s bid for the AUC Chairperson position. This move signifies Kenya's official endorsement of Odinga's candidacy, after months of behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.
Among the key figures in the campaign is Raila's brother-in law Elkanah Odembo, a former Kenyan ambassador to the United States, who will co-chair the committee. Odembo, alongside other seasoned diplomats, is expected to play a critical role in navigating the complex political terrain of the AU.
Ruto revealed that at least seven countries have endorsed Odinga’s bid. According to Ruto, Odinga’s bid for AUC seat has been endorsed by at least seven African presidents, including Cyril Ramaphosa (S. Africa), Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), and five from other EAC states.
The campaign, which was officially launched at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 27, will be steered by a team of five members, each representing a different region of the African continent. This regional diversity is seen as a strategic approach to garner widespread support across Africa.
Odinga’s selection of his campaign team points to his intent to present a pan-African vision. The team includes notable figures such as former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Professor Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu.
President Ruto emphasised the significance of the campaign, highlighting that Odinga’s candidacy transcends personal ambition. “Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership. He embodies the extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics, which are crucial for leading the African Union further into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of our people,” Ruto stated.
The President’s support signals a unified Kenyan front, which is crucial as the country seeks to increase its influence within the African Union.
The election process for the AUC senior leadership positions is already underway, with interested candidates submitting their credentials and vision statements to their respective member states this month. These documents outlined how each candidate plans to advance the AU’s transformative agenda and address the myriad challenges facing the continent.
The stakes are high, as the election for the AUC Chairperson, along with other key positions, will take place during the African Union Summit in February 2025. The roles up for grabs include the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and six Commissioner posts, each strategically allocated to ensure regional representation.
The launch of Odinga’s bid saw attendance from high-profile African leaders, further highlighting the importance of this campaign.
Among those present were Salva Kiir Mayardit, the East African Community (EAC) chair and President of South Sudan; Yoweri Museveni of Uganda; Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia; Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca; and Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
Kenya’s move to openly support Odinga’s bid is a clear indication of its desire to play a more prominent role on the African stage. By positioning a well-known figure like Odinga at the helm of the AUC, Kenya hopes to influence the direction of the African Union and ensure that the continent’s leadership reflects the aspirations of its people.
As the campaign gains momentum, it will be interesting to see how Odinga’s team navigates the political dynamics within the AU. The coming months will be critical, with intense lobbying expected across the continent.
The success of Odinga’s bid will depend not only on the strength of his team but also on the ability to build alliances and secure the backing of key African states.
