President William Ruto of Kenya has officially endorsed his long-time political rival, Raila Odinga, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The announcement was made at a grand event held at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, marking a significant endorsement that underscores Kenya’s commitment to fostering continental unity and development.
President Ruto’s endorsement was delivered with a tone of reverence and optimism. He lauded Odinga as a “visionary Pan-African,” emphasizing his credentials as a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of African affairs and global dynamics. Ruto’s remarks highlighted Odinga’s distinguished career and his ability to steer the AUC towards becoming a pivotal player on the global stage.
“I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change,” Ruto declared. He expressed confidence that Odinga’s leadership would not only elevate the African Union but also enhance Africa’s position in the global arena. According to Ruto, Odinga’s extensive experience and profound grasp of international and continental issues make him an ideal candidate to lead the AUC.
Ruto emphasized that Odinga’s candidacy aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of enhancing Africa’s development through institutional reforms at the African Union. “Kenya has already stepped up to enhance its contribution to Africa’s development by championing institutional reforms at the African Union. We believe that offering a highly qualified, experienced, and competent candidate to lead the AU Commission is perfectly consistent with our commitment to the transformation of our continent through our institutions of Pan-African unity,” he said.
The President also called on African leaders to unite behind Odinga’s bid, urging them to support his candidacy as a means of advancing the continent’s journey toward “freedom and democracy, stability and security, peace and prosperity.” Ruto’s call for solidarity reflects a broader vision of a unified Africa, striving to harness its collective strength to address both regional and global challenges.
Raila Odinga, for his part, responded with determination and readiness to take on the responsibilities of the AUC chairperson. He affirmed his commitment to leading transformative change across the continent, expressing his willingness to tackle the challenges head-on if elected. Odinga’s candidacy is supported by a strong team, including Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’oei and former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States (US) Elkana Odembo. The secretariat, which will include representatives from all five regions of the African Union, aims to provide a robust support network for Odinga’s campaign.
Support for Odinga’s candidacy has been notably strong among Eastern African leaders, who have pledged their backing to the former Prime Minister. This regional support underscores the broader confidence in Odinga’s ability to lead the AUC and drive forward Africa’s development agenda.
Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairperson position comes at a critical juncture for the continent, as African nations seek to bolster their collective influence and address pressing challenges. His potential leadership is seen as a crucial step toward achieving Africa’s aspirations of becoming a global economic powerhouse, with a focus on sustainable growth and development.
As the election for the AUC chairperson approaches, President Ruto’s endorsement and the backing of key regional leaders set the stage for a significant campaign. The support for Raila Odinga symbolizes a pivotal moment in African politics, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous and unified continent.
