Kenya's pursuit of a rotating Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position received a significant boost following the pledge of support from diplomats representing the European Union (EU).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, March 4, it was declared that diplomats had pledged their support for President William Ruto's administration's initiative to advocate for the next officeholder to hail from East Africa.
This endorsement serves as an influential factor in the decision-making process within the African Diplomatic community, particularly as Kenya has put forward former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as its candidate for the prestigious AU post.
Kenya has been advocating for a candidate from the East Africa Community (EAC) to be the automatic occupant of the seat, highlighting the region's yet unrealized attainment of this influential position.
Currently, the Commission chairperson post is held by Moussa Faki, who hails from West Africa. Faki succeeded Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who hails from South Africa.
"The Prime Cabinet Secretary & Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi today hosted H.E. Henriette Geiger, Head of the European Union in Kenya together with Heads of Mission and discussed Kenya's commitment to strengthening the bond with the EU.
"The European delegation pledged its support for Kenya's bid in lobbying for Eastern Africa to hold the position of the Chair of the AU Commission as a sister organisation," read the statement in part.
Further, in a separate statement, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also noted that Kenya asked for support for its candidature for the post.
Notably, there was no clear indication whether the diplomats reached an agreement with Kenya on its candidature.
Raila is expected to be officially unveiled as Kenya's candidate in the coming days. Already, plans are underway to have the EAC support his bid.
Interestingly, the ODM boss revealed that President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda would propose his candidature. This revelation followed their meeting alongside Ruto in Uganda on February 26.
Raila also revealed that other leaders in the region also pledged their support including Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) and Felix Tshisekedi (DRC).
He also indicated that he would be in Rwanda this week to woo President Paul Kagame.
So far, only Somalia has fas fielded its candidate for the post. The country is fronting its former Foreign Minister, Fawzia Adam, for the post.
