With just a day left before the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly endorsed Raila Odinga, calling him the best-suited candidate to lead the continent into the future. The high-stakes vote is set to take place on Saturday, February 15, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Odinga is up against Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Gachagua lauded Odinga’s deep-rooted advocacy for Africa and his ability to unite the continent’s linguistic and political divisions. “Kenya’s finest Raila Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best,” he stated.
The former deputy president emphasized that Odinga’s vast experience and vision align perfectly with the African spirit, noting that his leadership could help bridge the longstanding divide between Anglophone and Francophone African nations.
“The continent needs a Raila Odinga character to gel the Anglophone and the Francophone selves towards the continent of the future,” Gachagua remarked. The concept of Anglophone and Francophone divides has historically influenced governance, political alliances, and policy direction within the AU, making Odinga’s potential leadership a strategic choice for fostering unity.
Raila’s candidacy, however, faces a last-minute challenge following a push by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to back Randriamandrato of Madagascar. The 16-member bloc’s shift in support is expected to tighten the race significantly, forcing Odinga to secure additional backing from other regional powerhouses.
Under AU election rules, the chairperson is chosen through a secret ballot process by the 55-member states. A candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes—equivalent to 33 member states to be declared the winner. Given the recent political maneuvers, the election could extend to multiple rounds if no candidate achieves the required threshold in the initial voting.
Gachagua stressed that Odinga’s victory would not only be a win for Kenya but also a transformative step for Africa’s progress. “Raila Odinga’s win will be good and progressive for Africa. His victory will be a win for Kenya, our motherland,” he reiterated.
As the continent awaits the outcome, the election’s implications could redefine Africa’s leadership trajectory, shaping policy direction, economic collaboration, and regional stability under the AU’s next chairperson.
