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Veteran Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga Thursday threw his hat in the ring for the prestigious African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, pledging to use his experience to revitalize the continent.
Addressing a press conference in Nairobi, Odinga declared his readiness to serve, stating: “Should the leadership of Africa want my services, I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent.”
He expressed deep concern about the state of affairs in Africa, despite its rich resources. He condemned the “brain drain” of young people forced to seek opportunities abroad due to hardship.
The former Kenyan Prime Minister vowed to transform Africa into an economic powerhouse if elected. “As a Pan-Africanist, I strongly believe that Africa deserves better,” he asserted. He called for collective action to harness the continent’s resources for faster socio-economic development.
Highlighting his qualifications, Odinga pointed to his previous role as the AU’s special envoy for infrastructure development in Africa, which he held from 2018 to 2023. He claimed this experience equipped him with a deep understanding of the continent’s socio-economic landscape.
“That position gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about each and every African country,” he stated, expressing confidence in his ability to unite the continent and achieve its goals.
Odinga also revealed consultations with former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, present at the event, to mobilize support across Africa. Obasanjo, in turn, endorsed Odinga, emphasizing that it’s time for an East African to lead the AU.
The current AUC chairperson, Moussa Faki of Chad, is set to complete his second term next year, opening the door for a new leader. The chairperson serves as the organization’s chief executive and legal representative, playing a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future.
Odinga’s potential role as Chair of the African Union Commission carries significant weight, elevating him to near head-of-state status and thrusting him into the heart of global issues. However, the position requires strict neutrality, potentially removing him from Kenyan politics and dashing any presidential aspirations in 2027.
Should he win the coveted position, Odinga will wield immense influence, and will be at the forefront of crucial international discussions on elections, conflicts, and development across Africa and beyond. However, the AU’s code of conduct demands complete impartiality, barring him from holding any other public office.
Thus, if endorsed by all 55 member states, Odinga’s Kenyan citizenship will only allow him to vote in Kenyan elections, but active political participation will be restricted. This effectively rules him out of the 2027 presidential race, considering his potential four-year term as Chair would run from January 2025, ending in 2028, after the Kenyan elections.
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