Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga got another boost in his quest to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson after President Paul Kagame promised to back his bid.
Azimio allies, including Pauline Njoroge, Deputy Organising Secretary of the Jubilee Party, revealed that Kagame assured them of backing their coalition principal in the upcoming elections scheduled for next year.
It was noted that the President of Rwanda expressed his faith in the leadership of the ODM boss given that he had also previously served in the post.
"President Kagame promised support for Raila's bid, saying that the former Prime Minister has so much to offer to the African continent due to his impeccable leadership skills, deep understanding of the continent and vast experience in AU as former High Representative on Infrastructure Development.
"The Rwandan President affirmed his confidence in Raila’s capabilities, given his status in the region and internationally as well as his transformative leadership," she posted on her X account after the meeting.
On his part, the former Prime Minister did not divulge the outcome of their discussion. However, he noted that talks were centred on the unity and development of the continent.
"Had an insightful conversation with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, diving into regional and Pan-African ideals. We are committed to African unity and solidarity for shared prosperity and progress," Raila stated
Early in the week, Railla had revealed that he would be travelling to Rwanda to seek the support of Kagame.
According to Raila, a significant number of presidents within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had already pledged their backing for his candidacy.
Among these leaders were Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
On that note, President Yoweri Museveni expressed his willingness to nominate Raila as a candidate during the February elections.
As previously, highlighted by President William Ruto, the EAC block is set to field one candidate as they strategise to clinch the seat.
So far, from the EAC block, Raila is battling it out with Somalia's former Foreign Minister Fawzia Adam. Both are eyeing to succeed Moussa Faki of Chad, who has completed two terms of four years in office.
