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Odinga Thanks Museveni for AUC Endorsement
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga Tuesday acknowledged Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s endorsement of his African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson candidacy.
In a post on X, Raila stated that he had accepted an invitation from Museveni for a joint meeting with President William Ruto to discuss the deepening of regional integration within the East African Community.
“Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President @KagutaMuseveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President @WilliamRuto today to discuss the deepening of the regional integration within the East African Community,” read Raila’s post.
Raila also stated that they also discussed his candidacy for the AU Commission chairman.
“Crucially, at the urging of President Museveni, we also discussed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it,” he stated.
The trio was photographed at President Museveni’s farm in Kisozi, Uganda on Monday.
The former Prime Minister’s bid for the AUC chairmanship has received massive support from leaders from across the political divide.
Several leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale have lauded his bid saying, Odinga has the required qualifications for the job.
“This is the turn for Kenya. And that work we will fully support him because it is not his, it is Kenya’s. And he is going to be Kenya’s candidate and we shall support him unequivocally and unconditionally and become the chairman of the AUC,” Wetangula said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo also welcomed Odinga’s contest to vie for the AU chairmanship and stated he has what it takes to lead Africa.
Raila Dismisses Concerns AU Bid Weakens Opposition Role
Raila Odinga, leader of Kenya’s Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, Wednesday dismissed concerns that his pursuit of the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson position will undermine his role as the nation’s opposition leader.
Odinga’s bid has sparked debate on his political future, as the position requires a four-year commitment, effectively sidelining him from domestic politics until 2028 if he succeeds. However, speaking in Homa Bay, Odinga emphasized his intention to remain active in Kenyan affairs, citing the geographical proximity of Addis Ababa, the AU headquarters, to Nairobi.
He claimed that both President William Ruto of Kenya and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda had endorsed his candidacy. “I asked for their support and both of them agreed,” Odinga stated, adding that President Museveni offered to propose his name for the AU chairmanship.
“I am not going away,” Odinga declared, highlighting the ease of travel between Nairobi and Addis Ababa. “I am available, whenever I am called I will answer. I am ready to work with you people.”
Assuming the AU’s top seat, Odinga would oversee the bloc’s financial regulations, chair meetings, promote its objectives, and act as a custodian of AU treaties. The position carries significant weight, elevating the holder to a near head-of-state level with a crucial role in international affairs, including elections, conflicts, and development efforts.
However, the code of conduct for the position dictates that Odinga would need to take a neutral stance in Kenyan politics and refrain from participating in political contests across Africa. It also prohibits holding any other public office unless he resigns. If chosen by the AU’s 55 member states, his rights would be limited to voting in Kenyan elections.
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