African Union Executive Council on Friday, March 15, agreed to leave the African Union Commission Chairperson role to the East African Community (EAC).
The pronouncement by the AU Executive Council, therefore, assures Azimio leader Raila Odinga the right to compete for the prestigious continental position.
There were proposals to block candidates whose countries had held the chairperson or vice chairperson role.
Kenya held the position of VC from 2008 to 2017. The position was held by Erastus Mwencha.
"The decision is per the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure of the African Union policy organs and the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government," read part of a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"It is now clear that the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will be in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson," he said. "Effectively, there are no more technical or legal hurdles preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate."
Additionally, there were also proposals to have gender rotation for the AUC chairperson role. The current chair, Moussa Faki is a man and Raila would have been locked out if the gender rule was adopted.
According to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the decision also gave the Northern Africa region a chance to front candidates for the Deputy Chairperson.
Meanwhile, the other three regions, Central, Southern and Western, will compete for the six positions of commissioners.
The African Union in its statement noted that the commission elections required candidates to be competent women or men with proven experience, leadership qualities and a good track record.
A High-Level Panel of Eminent Africans comprised of one eminent personality, per region oversees the pre-selection process which is the assessment and shortlisting of candidates.
On February 17, Raila announced his bid to contest for the African Union Commission Chairperson position. His bid was endorsed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
"I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him” Obasanjo stated.
Three days later, on February 17, President William Ruto formed a committee to campaign for Raila's candidature for the AU role.
The committee which would be financed through the exchequer, drew members from the government with the committee citing it would recruit more officials from the opposition to strengthen the plan.
