Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President William Ruto for supporting Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Junet’s comments, made during a public address in Narok County, emphasized the significance of Ruto’s backing and its potential impact on Raila’s success in the upcoming election.
“We, as ODM, are thankful for the support you have given Baba Raila in his journey towards the AUC position,” Junet stated, referring to Raila’s ongoing campaign to become the head of the African Union’s executive body. This support from President Ruto is seen as a crucial element in Raila’s bid, according to Junet, who highlighted Ruto’s past successes in securing political backing and influence.
Junet’s statement also pointed out that anything supported by President Ruto tends to succeed, citing the President’s own political trajectory and influence in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. This remark underscored Junet’s optimism that Ruto’s endorsement would significantly enhance Raila’s chances in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive election.
Raila Odinga, a former Prime Minister of Kenya, is running for the AUC chairmanship, a prestigious position responsible for overseeing the implementation of the African Union’s policies and decisions. His candidacy has been widely supported across the continent, with several African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa, backing his bid. Raila’s extensive experience in national and international diplomacy has positioned him as a strong contender, and his supporters hope that his leadership will bring about reforms and advancements for the African Union.
Raila’s candidacy is part of Kenya’s broader diplomatic efforts to increase its influence on the African continent, strengthening its role in shaping key continental policies. The upcoming African Union summit, where the elections for the AUC chairmanship will take place, has seen Raila’s supporters rally behind him in the hope of a more dynamic and reform-driven African Union.
To secure the AUC chairmanship, a candidate needs to receive votes from at least 34 member states. Raila’s support base spans across several African nations, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. He faces competition from Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato. The election is scheduled for February 2024, with Raila’s supporters hopeful that his leadership will mark a new chapter for the African Union.
Junet Mohamed believes that Raila’s success in the AUC race would not only be a personal victory but would also become one of President Ruto’s enduring legacies.
