President William Ruto on Tuesday officially launched Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship at State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto revealed that so far, seven countries have pledged full support for Raila ahead of the elections to be held in February 2025 at AU’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Some of the countries that have confirmed by the time of publishing this article are:
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- South Sudan
- Burundi
- Rwanda
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Somalia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Malawi
- Seychelles
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Algeria
- Angola
- Congo
- Kenya
In a show of solidarity, various dignitaries from across the continent graced the occasion to throw their weight behind Raila. Former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete were present.
“We believe that offering a highly qualified, experienced and competent candidate to lead the AU Commission is perfectly consistent with our commitment to the transformation of our continent through our institutions of Pan-African Unity,” the Head of State remarked.
“It is on this note that the United Republic of Tanzania assures the Republic of Kenya of its full support of the candidature of Raila Odinga for the position of AUC Chairperson,” President Suluhu affirmed.
“We've never had an occasion like this, where we have a candidate and the candidate is given so much support at home, like we have given Raila. Not just making him a candidate for Kenya, but a candidate of the East African Community,” Ọbasanjọ remarked.
Earlier, Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi explained that following the launch, the Kenyan government will do everything in its capacity to ensure Raila clinches the seat.
Kenya has already formally filed Raila's candidature and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei appointed to lead Odinga’s bid.
Raila is seeking to succeed the outgoing chair of AU Mousa Faki Mahamat of Chad and enjoys the backing of President William Ruto and other Heads of State from across the continent. Earlier this month, Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf withdrew from the tight race and announced support for Raila, handing the former Prime Minister a major boost.
To clinch the coveted continental seat, Raila only needs 66 per cent of the votes which is equivalent to 32 countries.
Among the candidates Raila is set to square it out with include Mohamoud Youssouf of Djibouti, Anil Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
