Raila Odinga’s Bid for African Union Commission Chairmanship: A Vision for a United Africa Amid Political Dynamics

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa recently expressed disappointment over the negative sentiments expressed by some Kenyans, particularly from Generation Z, towards Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Barasa urged Kenyans to show patriotism and support Odinga’s candidacy, highlighting the need for unity in backing a national leader on the international stage.

Barasa’s message was clear: “To all the Gen Z’s and Kenyans wishing Tinga Raila Odinga bad luck, shame on you! Be patriotic majamaa! Too much noise on social media na hakuna kitu mnasema ata,” he stated, criticizing the online negativity surrounding Odinga’s campaign. The remarks by Barasa come at a time when Kenya is witnessing significant political shifts, including defections by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members to the government, a move that has not been well received by certain sections of the population, particularly after the Gen Z protests.

Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship was officially unveiled by President William Ruto, marking a significant moment in Kenya’s diplomatic efforts on the African continent. The AUC, as the executive arm of the African Union, plays a crucial role in shaping the continent’s policies and driving its agenda. Odinga’s bid comes at a time of great change and opportunity within the African Union, and his experience as a long-serving political leader in Kenya could position him as a strong contender for the role.

However, Odinga’s path to the Chairmanship is not without challenges. The AUC elections are competitive, requiring a candidate to secure at least two-thirds of the votes, which translates to approximately 36 out of 54 votes from member states. Odinga faces competition from other prominent African leaders, including Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard James from Sierra Leone. There are concerns that Odinga might face opposition from Francophone countries, given the traditional divide between Anglophone and Francophone states within the AU. However, he is expected to receive considerable support from Anglophone nations, reflecting the broader geopolitical alignments on the continent.

During the launch of his campaign, Odinga expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Kenyan and Eastern African leaders, emphasizing a collective vision for Africa’s future. He outlined his vision for the AUC, focusing on a more people-centred approach to addressing Africa’s persistent challenges such as poverty, conflict, and unemployment. Odinga highlighted Africa’s progress and aspirations, pledging to work towards integrating the continent and addressing its diverse needs if elected. His vision calls for a united effort among African nations to tackle these challenges collaboratively, reflecting a commitment to a Pan-African agenda that seeks to uplift all member states.

The launch event, which marked the beginning of Odinga’s official campaign, was attended by a host of African leaders, signaling significant support for his bid. Notable attendees included South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, and Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, among others. The presence of these leaders underscores the importance of Odinga’s campaign and the high stakes involved in the upcoming elections.

Scheduled for February 2025, the AUC Chairmanship election will be a critical moment for the future of the African Union. Odinga’s candidacy not only represents Kenya’s aspirations but also embodies the broader goals of regional integration and cooperation on the continent. As the campaign unfolds, Odinga’s ability to rally support across Africa will be pivotal in determining his success in this high-profile race.

For Odinga and his supporters, the campaign is more than just a personal ambition—it is a call for African unity and a commitment to addressing the continent’s most pressing issues through collective action and visionary leadership.