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Kenya officially launched the candidacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Tuesday, August 27. The announcement took place during a vibrant ceremony at State House, Nairobi, attended by several East African leaders.
President William Ruto led the event, with prominent figures such as East African Community (EAC) Chairman and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in attendance. Other notable guests included Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, Rwanda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
President Ruto expressed strong support for Odinga’s candidacy, praising his commitment to Pan-Africanism and his consistent efforts to promote Africa’s development. Ruto said that Odinga possesses the necessary credentials and vision to lead the AUC, particularly in driving Africa’s transformation and advancing the continent’s Agenda 2063.
“Raila Odinga is not only highly qualified but also the ideal candidate to guide the African Union Commission,” Ruto stated.
Odinga, who is running against candidates from Djibouti, Mauritius, and Madagascar, highlighted his dedication to Africa’s progress, focusing on unity, integration, and youth empowerment. He pledged to work towards eliminating visa requirements for intra-Africa travel and removing trade barriers to foster a united and prosperous continent.
“My heart is ready, my hands are steady, and with your support, I will serve Africa,” Odinga declared, exuding confidence that he would secure victory in the first round of the elections.
The ceremony also saw the launch of Odinga’s campaign secretariat, which will be co-led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, typically a political rival of Odinga, hailed the launch as a proud moment for Kenya. He emphasized the unity of the Kenyan people in backing Odinga for the AUC role, describing him as the “finest candidate to lead Africa.”
Support for Odinga extended beyond Kenya, with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan lauding him as a wise and capable statesman, while South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir called for regional unity behind Odinga’s candidacy. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also expressed his endorsement, describing Odinga as a Pan-Africanist with the qualifications necessary to lead Africa toward prosperity.
Odinga appealed to his fellow East Africans to support his candidacy and work together as a team to ensure a strong showing in the February 2025 election in Addis Ababa.
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