The Amani National Congress (ANC) party is the latest political outfit to back Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union chairmanship.
Speaking at a press briefing on February 20, 2024, Nathaniel Mong’are, the party’s ICT and Programs Director and an advisor to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, observed that Mr Odinga, a seasoned politician in Kenya, is suited for the job.
Mr Mong’are, who doubles up as the party’s ICT & Programs Director stressed that other regions within the continent have had their time to serve at the African Union.
“As a party, we’re throwing our weight behind his candidature because it is East Africa’s turn to produce the chairperson of AU. We have seen other regions get the opportunity to serve. Raila Odinga is the best bet in Kenya for this role,” he said.
He further asked Kenyans to rally behind Mr Odinga’s bid.
“We are asking Kenyans to support and pray for him.”
ANC’s declaration comes days after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) endorsed Mr Odinga for the AU role.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala described the endorsement as a show of patriotism.
“UDA welcomes Raila’s decision to take up the African Union position. He is a luminary and deserves the position given his contribution to the continent. We are confident he will immensely contribute towards African unity,” said Malala.
While announcing his candidature, Mr Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, and has unsuccessfully contested for the presidency five times since 1997, said he was ready to offer his services to the leadership of Africa.
Mr Odinga, 79, stressed his recent job description, networks, and experience while serving as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa was instrumental in understanding the challenges facing the continent.
“I have served the AU in the capacity of Infrastructure High Representative and the position gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about every country, what they have, and their comparative advantages. I believe working together with all these countries we can be able to transform Africa,” he said.
