Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship position could experience a hitch if proposed rules aimed at reforming the election process are adopted.
The changes are part of a draft aimed at shaking up the criteria relied on to fill the top positions at the continental body.
The AU Permanent Representative Committee proposed several changes that seek to bar member states that have held the chairmanship and the deputy positions from 2002 from contesting in the upcoming election.
If the heads of state from the 44 countries adopt the proposal, the changes will bar Raila from vying for the AU chairmanship, as Kenya and Rwanda have previously held the deputy positions.
According to a decision effected in 2018, the position is rotational and based on the rules, the next chairman should be from the Eastern Africa region.
However, Tanzania among other Eastern African states will be the only countries viable to submit a candidate for the bid.
The proposed changes threatening the Azimio leader’s bid will become law if voted for by the heads of state.
Decision-making at the AU which is done through consensus gives hope for Kenya’s fronted candidate, as a single vote against the proposed reforms could prevent the changes from being adopted.
President William Ruto has expressed his support for Raila's Bid.
Ruto has already formed a committee financed through the exchequer, to campaign for Odinga.
Further, speaking during the investment Conference in Homa Bay County on Tuesday, February 27, Ruto assured Kenyans that he had a plan in place to unite all Kenyans, adding that no one would be excluded from the government.
"I was here in Homa Bay during the campaigns and I promised you that there will be no loser here in Kenya. I promised that I would work so hard to ensure that everyone lands somewhere. You did not believe me. Now you can see how things are going. Didn't I promise that? Ruto posed.
