Raila Odinga’s ambitious bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship was powered by a nine-member team of highly skilled professionals, operating behind the scenes in a high-stakes diplomatic offensive. This team, bolstered by Kenyan diplomats abroad and intelligence agencies, worked tirelessly to rally support for Odinga across the continent.
At the helm of the technical team were seasoned diplomat Elkana Odembo and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Sing’oei Korir. Their leadership was instrumental in navigating the complex diplomatic landscape and ensuring Odinga’s message resonated with African leaders. The other members of the team included renowned legal scholar Prof. Makau Mutua, former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) executive secretary Mahboub Maalim, lawyer and diplomat Anthony Okara, former Nyeri deputy governor Nancy Karugu, and digital strategist Pauline Njoroge. Together, they formed a formidable think tank that shaped and executed Odinga’s campaign strategy.
The team’s efforts were complemented by Kenyan missions abroad and intelligence officers who played a key role in assessing political dynamics in different African nations. Over the past year, Odinga undertook an extensive tour, visiting 29 countries to engage with African leaders and stakeholders. This intensive campaign sought to demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to pan-African leadership and regional integration.
Foreign policy analyst Gordon K’achola described the team as one of the best a country could assemble for a high-profile diplomatic assignment. According to K’achola, President William Ruto was deliberate in putting together a team with strong diplomatic credentials, including figures like Mahboub Maalim, known for his geopolitical acumen, and Prof. Makau Mutua, whose legal expertise added credibility to the campaign.
However, some analysts argue that the campaign could have benefited from the inclusion of more seasoned diplomats, such as former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka. Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi noted that Kalonzo’s regional networks and mediation experience could have been a valuable asset. During his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, Kalonzo played a crucial role in mediating conflicts in the Horn of Africa, a skill that could have strengthened Kenya’s diplomatic approach.
This was Kenya’s second attempt at securing the AUC chairmanship, having lost to Chad’s Moussa Faki in 2017. Unlike Amina Mohammed’s bid, which was criticized for lacking a robust diplomatic strategy, Odinga’s campaign was deeply embedded in Kenya’s foreign affairs apparatus, showcasing a more structured approach.
Despite the campaign’s strong execution, questions remain about the final outcome. Whether Raila Odinga’s team’s efforts will bear fruit depends on Africa’s shifting political dynamics and the strategic alliances Kenya has cultivated. Regardless, the campaign has demonstrated Kenya’s growing influence in continental politics.
