Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has expressed his unwavering support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, emphasizing that Africa needs a leader of his stature.
In his goodwill message on Friday, ahead of the crucial vote scheduled for Saturday, February 15, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Babu highlighted Raila’s long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism, democracy, and economic liberation as key qualities that make him the ideal candidate for the top AU position.
“Baba, Africa needs a leader of your calibre—one with the courage to challenge the status quo, the wisdom to unite our people, and the foresight to champion the transformative policies that will propel our continent forward,” said Babu.
The legislator stressed that a victory for Raila would not only be a win for Kenya but also a triumph for the entire continent, as his leadership would steer the AU Commission toward greater unity, prosperity, and self-reliance.
“As you step forward to present your vision for the African Union Commission, I extend my heartfelt goodwill and unwavering support. Your journey has always been one of service, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice—not just for Kenya, but for the entire African continent,” he added.
Raila, who is already in Addis Ababa, is facing stiff competition from Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. The election, which will be conducted via secret ballot, requires a candidate to secure at least two-thirds of the 55 AU member states’ votes—equivalent to 33 votes—to emerge victorious.
Adding to the intensity of the race, a last-minute intervention by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has introduced fresh challenges for Raila. The 16-member regional bloc has reportedly urged its members to back Randriamandrato, potentially reducing the support Raila had hoped to secure from the region.
Despite these challenges, over 100 Kenyan MPs are expected to travel to Addis Ababa to demonstrate solidarity with Raila, underscoring the national significance of his candidacy. As the high-stakes election approaches, Raila continues his final lobbying efforts, hoping to secure the required votes to ascend to the AU Commission’s top leadership.
With the outcome set to shape the future leadership of the AU, all eyes remain on Addis Ababa as Africa waits to see who will take the helm of the continental body.
