President William Ruto has fervently backed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). This endorsement, delivered during a recent event in Kakamega, underscores Kenya’s ambition to play a leading role in shaping the future of the African continent.
Addressing the crowd at the homecoming ceremony of Cooperative and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, President Ruto emphasized the importance of national cohesion in supporting Raila Odinga’s candidacy. He urged Kenyans to come together, viewing Odinga’s potential role as a collective achievement for the nation rather than an individual triumph. “We should be united because we have an opportunity as a country to produce the next chairman of the Africa Union Commission,” Ruto asserted. “It is not a position that belongs to a person. It is our collective position as a country and therefore all of us must support our former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for that position.”
Ruto’s support comes at a crucial time as Raila Odinga’s campaign gains momentum both locally and internationally. The endorsement from Kenya’s highest office reflects a strategic move to position Kenya favorably within the African continent’s political landscape. The President’s endorsement also highlights Kenya’s broader vision of contributing significantly to the continent’s governance and development.
Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship is not merely a political aspiration but a well-articulated vision for Africa’s future. His campaign has outlined an ambitious eight-point agenda aimed at addressing critical issues facing the continent. Odinga’s priorities include economic transformation, enhancing intra-African trade, ensuring financial independence, advancing gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, continental integration, and peace and security.
In his vision statement, Raila Odinga, a lifelong Pan-Africanist, has committed to delivering on these priorities through participatory leadership. “As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will offer participatory leadership to ensure delivery on the priorities of the African peoples as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063,” he stated. His goal is to foster a united Africa characterized by peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress, harnessing the continent’s vast human and natural resources to secure its rightful place in the current century.
One of Odinga’s key focus areas is economic transformation. He aims to spearhead initiatives that foster an enabling environment for businesses, attract investment, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. These measures are crucial for achieving comprehensive economic growth and transforming Africa into a global economic powerhouse.
Continental integration is another cornerstone of Odinga’s agenda. He plans to strengthen Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and drive initiatives that promote trade, infrastructure development, and economic growth across the continent. By enhancing regional cooperation, Odinga envisions a more interconnected and prosperous Africa.
The endorsement of Raila Odinga by President Ruto also comes at a time when international and local leaders have increasingly rallied behind his candidacy. This growing support signals a strong consensus on Odinga’s qualifications and the potential benefits of his leadership for the African Union.
As the February 2025 elections for the AUC chairmanship approach, Kenya’s backing of Raila Odinga signifies a pivotal moment for both the nation and the continent. It represents an opportunity for Kenya to assert its leadership role on the African stage and for Raila Odinga to bring his vision of a united, prosperous, and transformative Africa to fruition.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s endorsement of Raila Odinga is more than just political support; it is a strategic alignment with Kenya’s long-term goals of continental leadership and integration. As Raila Odinga campaigns for the AUC chairmanship, Kenya stands united, hopeful, and committed to a future where the continent thrives under visionary leadership.
