Kenya’s President William Ruto led a high-profile delegation to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday as the African Union Commission (AUC) elections commenced. The elections are set to determine the successor to outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.
Among the leading contenders for the prestigious position is Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is vying against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
President Ruto’s presence underscores Kenya’s strong push to secure the continental leadership position for Odinga, who has been actively campaigning for the role over the past months. His bid has garnered significant attention, with Kenya mobilizing diplomatic efforts across African nations to rally support for his candidacy.
Accompanying President Ruto in Addis Ababa is a delegation that includes Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, and several lawmakers. Additionally, a number of governors have traveled to Ethiopia to demonstrate their support for Odinga’s candidacy.
The African Union Summit, which is taking place on February 15, 2025, brings together leaders from across the continent to deliberate on key issues affecting Africa’s development and governance. The election of the AUC Chairperson is a crucial agenda item, as the winner will be responsible for steering the organization’s policies and engagements on regional and global matters.
Odinga’s bid is backed by Kenya’s strategic vision for a more integrated and economically empowered Africa. His experience as a veteran politician and diplomat, as well as his long-standing advocacy for pan-Africanism, has positioned him as a strong candidate. However, he faces stiff competition from Youssouf, who has extensive experience in international diplomacy, and Randriamandrato, who has been actively engaging African leaders in his campaign.
Kenya’s delegation has been holding meetings with various African heads of state and representatives in a final push to secure the required votes. The AUC chairperson is elected through a voting process by AU member states, with the winning candidate required to secure a two-thirds majority.
As the vote unfolds, the outcome will be closely watched, with Kenya hoping that its efforts will result in Odinga ascending to the top AU leadership position. If successful, he will be the first Kenyan to hold the position, marking a significant milestone for the country in continental affairs.
The results of the election are expected to be announced later today.
