A massive Kenyan delegation, including President William Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, and at least 100 Members of Parliament, is set to fly to Addis Ababa to support Raila Odinga’s bid.
The AU Summit, slated for February 15-16, will host the crucial vote, where Raila, Kenya’s candidate, faces Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato. Raila is widely regarded as the front-runner, with his secretariat claiming he has secured endorsements from at least 28 AU member states. To clinch victory in the first round, a candidate must secure 33 out of 49 eligible votes.
The presence of top Kenyan leaders signals a bipartisan push to secure Raila’s victory, demonstrating the country’s political unity on the international stage. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has been appointed Raila’s chief agent, reinforcing the collaborative effort between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
President Ruto’s active role in Raila’s campaign marks a strategic political shift. A win for Raila would boost Ruto’s diplomatic standing and solidify his influence, while a loss could complicate his political maneuvering, especially with the ongoing political realignments following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
Raila, 80, has vigorously campaigned across 27 countries, meeting key African leaders and making his case for the continent’s top job. His secretariat in Nairobi has been overwhelmed by lawmakers seeking recommendation letters to facilitate their travel to Addis Ababa, a testament to the high stakes involved.
Moses Kuria, Ruto’s senior economic advisor, has announced that he will be in Addis from February 10 to oversee Raila’s vote tallying. Kuria’s involvement underscores concerns over the credibility of the election, with geopolitical interests at play and no binding agreements on pledged votes.
The upcoming vote is expected to be a defining moment for Kenya’s diplomatic influence in Africa. If Raila secures the chairmanship, it would mark a significant milestone in his illustrious political career and elevate Kenya’s standing within the AU. Conversely, a defeat could reignite his local political ambitions, potentially reshaping the 2027 presidential race.
As the countdown to the vote continues, all eyes will be on Addis Ababa, where the future of Africa’s leadership will be decided.
