President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shared a vehicle on their way to the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The moment, captured in a video seen , symbolized a united front as Raila pursues the AU Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Raila, who is vying to succeed Moussa Faki as AUC chairperson, faces stiff competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato. The election, scheduled for February 15, is set to be a high-stakes contest, with the winner needing a two-thirds majority vote from AU member states. Notably, nations under military rule are excluded from voting.
The shared ride between Ruto and Raila is a significant political gesture, given their long history of rivalry in Kenya’s political landscape. The two, along with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, were seen leaving a building before Ruto personally ushered Raila into a waiting Audi, which transported them together to the summit venue. This act underscores Kenya’s commitment to Raila’s bid and showcases a moment of national unity.
Ruto has been actively lobbying for Raila’s candidacy, engaging in crucial discussions with various African leaders in the run-up to the election. In a strategic move, he held meetings with outgoing AUC chairperson Moussa Faki and key heads of state, including President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Angola’s João Lourenço, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. These diplomatic engagements highlight Kenya’s determination to secure broad continental support for Raila’s leadership.
If elected, Raila will assume a critical role in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges, including poverty, economic instability, insecurity, and inadequate health and education services. A vocal proponent of Pan-Africanism, he has outlined an ambitious vision aimed at fostering Africa’s self-reliance, unity, and sustainable development. Raila envisions a continent that moves beyond historical setbacks, embracing progressive leadership to unlock its full potential.
As the countdown to the decisive vote continues, Raila’s candidacy remains a focal point of discussion across Africa. His campaign, backed by Ruto’s diplomatic efforts, reflects Kenya’s broader ambitions on the continental stage. With just hours remaining before the election, all eyes are on Addis Ababa to see if Raila can secure the mandate to lead Africa into a new era of transformation.
