Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, is making significant strides in his campaign. Recently, Raila held a pivotal meeting with Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, as part of his broader effort to secure endorsements from key African leaders. This meeting comes as Raila ramps up his diplomatic engagements, supported by the strong backing of Kenyan President William Ruto and state machinery.
Bolstered by Strong Diplomatic Support
Raila’s bid for the AUC Chairmanship has gained considerable momentum, thanks to the unwavering support from President William Ruto. With the Kenyan government’s full endorsement, Raila’s campaign has been characterized by high-level diplomatic engagements, aimed at rallying support from across the continent. According to some diplomats, this robust backing gives Raila a head start in the race for the coveted position.
The former Kenyan Prime Minister, widely respected for his commitment to pan-Africanism, is leveraging his extensive network of connections across Africa. This network, which includes former and current presidents, has been instrumental in his quest to secure endorsements for his candidacy.
Meeting with President Sassou Nguesso
The meeting with President Sassou Nguesso, held in Brazzaville, was a crucial step in Raila’s campaign. The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a significant player in Central Africa, and securing its support is vital for Raila’s bid. The discussions between the two leaders focused on Raila’s candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship and the importance of a united Africa in addressing continental challenges.
In a video shared by Prof. Makau Mutua, a key member of Raila’s campaign team, Raila was seen seeking President Nguesso’s support ahead of the February 2025 poll. Prof. Mutua, a prominent scholar and former Kenyan ambassador to the United States, emphasized the success of the visit in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to President Nguesso for his support.
“His Excellency President Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo hosted The Rt Hon Raila Odinga to discuss his candidacy for the AUC in a very successful visit. We thank President Nguesso for making the road to the AUC that much smoother,” Prof. Mutua wrote.
Continental Campaign Strategy
Raila’s meeting with President Nguesso followed closely on the heels of his engagement with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi. The former Prime Minister had met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, where the two leaders discussed various issues, including security, development, and climate change—key topics that are central to Raila’s vision for the African Union.
During the meeting, President Tshisekedi endorsed Raila’s candidacy, adding to the growing list of African leaders who have thrown their weight behind him. Raila expressed his gratitude for the endorsement on X, stating, “Our conversation centred on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future.”
Facing Competition from Other Candidates
Despite the growing support, Raila faces stiff competition from other contenders for the AUC Chairmanship. Among them are Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. Each of these candidates brings their own strengths and regional backing, making the race highly competitive.
However, Raila’s long-standing commitment to pan-Africanism, coupled with his extensive regional networks, positions him as a formidable candidate. His campaign strategy has been to activate these networks, reaching out to former and serving presidents to secure their endorsements.
A Focus on Unity and Progress
As Raila continues his vote-hunting mission, his message is clear: the need for a united Africa that can address its challenges collectively. His campaign emphasizes the importance of security, development, and climate change as key areas where the African Union must focus its efforts.
With the February 2025 poll approaching, Raila Odinga is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for the AUC Chairmanship. Supported by the Kenyan government and buoyed by his pan-African ideals, Raila’s campaign is set to be one of the most closely watched in the continent’s political landscape.
