With only a month to go before the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship elections, Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the position, is intensifying his campaign efforts across the continent. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, during a recent speech in Shinyalu, Busia County, expressed confidence that Raila is on the verge of securing the prestigious role. Mudavadi’s remarks come ahead of the February 2025 election, where Raila will face off against Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
“It’s Africa’s Century. Thank you for your support,” Raila said in a social media post, sharing a video of his meetings with various African presidents. This statement reflects his optimism and the growing momentum behind his bid, as he seeks to position himself as the leader of the African Union’s executive body.
The electoral battle will be critical not only for Raila but also for Kenya’s diplomatic and political standing on the continental stage. Mudavadi, an influential political figure and key ally of President William Ruto, highlighted that Raila’s success in the upcoming elections would be a momentous achievement. “In next month’s AUC elections, Raila is going to win, and he will win,” Mudavadi declared, underscoring the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s belief in Raila’s chances.
Throughout his campaign, Raila has been crisscrossing the African continent, meeting with heads of state and government to rally support for his candidacy. His recent diplomatic push included visits to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries such as South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique, where he aimed to solidify his position in this influential bloc. This follows a series of talks with Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, further demonstrating Raila’s commitment to securing strategic endorsements from key regional leaders.
While Raila’s campaign gains traction, Djibouti’s Youssouf has not been idle. He received significant backing from the Arab League in September 2024, which includes support from 27 member states. However, Youssouf’s campaign strategy has been quieter compared to Raila’s high-profile diplomatic engagements, raising questions about the depth of his reach across the continent.
As the February election draws closer, Raila’s campaign machinery continues to push forward with strategic meetings and endorsements. With the African Union’s chairmanship offering a platform to shape the continent’s future, Raila’s potential victory would not only mark a personal milestone but could also herald new leadership for Africa in the global arena. The final stretch of his campaign will be crucial in determining whether his tireless efforts will bear fruit on election day.
