University student leaders, under the Lake Side Caucus, have lauded former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, despite his loss in the election held on Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious in the race. The student leaders, while acknowledging the outcome, emphasized their admiration for Raila’s unwavering commitment to the political, social, and economic transformation of Kenya and the African continent. They noted that Raila’s efforts in seeking the AUC position are part of his enduring legacy in the quest for a better Africa.
In a statement released on Monday, the student leaders extended a warm welcome to Raila upon his return to Kenya, recognizing the bond between him and the youth of the nation. They also recognized the complexities that influenced the election results, citing the multiple external factors that played a role in the outcome, beyond Kenya’s efforts.
“We are fully aware that the election result was influenced by numerous factors, and it was not solely based on Kenya’s exemplary efforts,” the statement read. The student leaders, however, joined President William Ruto and Raila Odinga in congratulating Youssouf and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the African Union’s mission for unity, peace, and prosperity across the continent. They also commended President Ruto’s vigorous support in mobilizing government resources, including foreign affairs, intelligence, and diplomatic channels.
Taking a bold step in shaping Africa’s future, the student leaders proposed three key initiatives to actively involve the youth in the African Union’s work. They emphasized the need for formal mechanisms that allow university students to participate in AU programs and shadow AU officials. These initiatives would expose students to continental governance, encouraging Pan-Africanism at the grassroots level and empowering the younger generation to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.
The student leaders also proposed the creation of digital repositories to document the legacies of African leaders like Nelson Mandela and contemporary figures such as Raila Odinga. These repositories, accessible across universities, would facilitate intellectual exchange, cultural dialogue, and historical preservation. They further called for the establishment of AU Centres for Democracy and Governance in universities, aimed at fostering democratic governance discussions and honoring those who fought for Africa’s liberation.
The Lake Side Caucus plans to seek a meeting with President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to discuss the adoption and expansion of these transformative proposals within the African Union.
