With the African Union Commission (AUC) elections set to take place from February 15 to 16, 2025, KANU chairperson Gideon Moi has publicly extended his best wishes to former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Friday, Moi hailed Raila as a bold, visionary, and progressive leader, emphasizing that his leadership at the helm of the African Union would bring positive transformation to the continent.
“We extend our best wishes to Raila Odinga in his bid to become the Chairperson of the AUC. Across the political spectrum, everybody is in concurrence that Raila is a visionary, bold, and progressive leader,” Moi stated.
According to Moi, the former prime minister’s leadership will steer Africa towards greater prosperity and unity. He expressed confidence that Raila’s tenure would embody the aspirations of the AU’s Agenda 2063, famously captured in the slogan, ‘The Africa We Want.’
The AUC elections, set to be a significant continental political event, will see Raila Odinga competing against two other prominent candidates. The elections will be held during the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where at least 49 heads of state and government have gathered to select the next AUC chairperson.
A strong delegation of Kenyan leaders, including Members of Parliament, governors, and senators, has traveled to Addis Ababa to offer Raila moral support as he vies for the influential continental position. Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura reaffirmed Kenya’s full backing for Raila’s candidacy, highlighting the extensive campaign he has conducted to secure support across Africa.
“As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections draw closer, Kenya reaffirms its unwavering support and optimism in the candidature of Raila Odinga for the chairmanship,” Mwaura stated. “Over the past few months, Raila has led an intensive and strategic campaign, directly engaging over 40 African Heads of State and securing broad-based backing across the continent.”
Mwaura further emphasized that Raila’s campaign has received full endorsement from the East African Community (EAC) and other allies across the continent. He noted that Raila’s leadership would be instrumental in advancing Africa’s economic transformation, institutional efficiency, and regional integration.
With just hours to the decisive vote, Kenya’s delegation remains committed to ensuring Raila’s victory, viewing his election as a significant milestone for the nation and the continent at large. Africa now waits to see if Raila Odinga will emerge victorious in the bid to lead the AU Commission into a new era.
