Ruto Officially Launches Raila’s Candidacy for AUC Chairperson

President William Ruto has officially announced former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

The announcement, made at a high-profile event at State House in Nairobi, signifies Kenya’s strategic move to position Mr Odinga as a leading contender to succeed the outgoing chair, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat. Notably, this candidacy is being presented not merely as a Kenyan initiative, but as a unified effort representing the entire East African Community (EAC). The unveiling ceremony was attended by an array of distinguished regional leaders. Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan were present, along with former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr Obasanjo, who had recently accompanied Mr Odinga to the opening of the fifth World of Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in Kisumu, has been a vocal advocate for his candidacy. Mr Odinga’s position in the race has been considerably strengthened by the withdrawal of former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf, who has since pledged her support to him. In his address, President Ruto emphasizes the critical need for robust leadership at the African Union, particularly in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the continent. He praises Mr. Odinga’s extensive experience and dedication to Pan-African ideals, positioning him as the ideal candidate to lead the AUC.

The other regional leaders present have also expressed their support, with each emphasizing different aspects of Mr. Odinga’s qualifications and the importance of his candidacy for the EAC and Africa as a whole. Mr. Odinga, in accepting the nomination, expresses his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the EAC member states. He outlines his vision for the African Union which entails focusing on key areas such as economic integration, peace and security, and sustainable development. The event also saw the launch of Mr. Odinga’s campaign website, a joint effort between the Kenyan government and his campaign team, aimed at providing comprehensive information about his vision and campaign activities.

As the election for the AUC chairperson position approaches, scheduled for early 2025, Mr. Odinga faces competition from other notable candidates, including Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar. The outcome of this election will be crucial in determining the future direction of the African Union.