President William Ruto is set to officially launch Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship next week, as announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Speaking from his office at Railways Building in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mudavadi emphasized the need for a leader of Odinga’s stature in Africa. He confirmed that President Ruto will formally announce the former prime minister’s 2025 AUC Chairmanship bid on August 27.
“Next week, on August 27, 2024, President William Ruto will be formally launching the candidacy of the Kenyan candidate for the AUC Chairmanship, Raila Odinga,” said Mudavadi.
Kenya, Mudavadi added, had earlier in June submitted requisite documentation for Odinga’s bid in line with requirements of the African Union Secretariat.
“As you are aware, the government dispatched a high level delegation led by the Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, including Raila’s strategy team. They officially launched the application to the office of the legal counsel of the African Union through the Dean of the Eastern region,” said the Prime CS.
According to Mudavadi, the application highlighted key challenges facing Africa’s development agenda that the opposition chief intends to address should he emerge victorious in the February 2025 AUC Chairmanship polls.
“Odinga has outlined his vision for the AUC which is hinged on various focal areas namely; African integration and infrastructure development, economic transformation of the continent, intra-African trade enhancement, financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace and security, youth empowerment and gender equity and equality,” said the Prime CS.
He also announced that in line with African Union (AU) requirements, Mr. Odinga will participate in a televised debate broadcast live to African citizens before the AUC Chairmanship elections.
The debate, according to Mudavadi, who also doubles as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs CS, will give Mr. Odinga the opportunity to present his vision for Africa.
“Since 2017, the African Union has requires that candidates participate in a televised debate, broadcast live to African citizens before such polls. This is known as the Mjadala Debate. It allows the candidate to outline their vision and how they will lead the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU mandate and African agenda 2063,” he said.
“The debate also allows African citizens and stakeholders to engage candidates on issues they want addressed. Our candidate is undoubtedly experienced and well-prepared to participate in the live debate and discuss how to propel the continent’s growth and its goals of integration and sustainable development.”
The Prime CS, further urged Kenyans to support Mr. Odinga’s AUC Chairmanship bid.
“Just as we cheered our athletes in the recent Olympics, let us lend our full support to Raila as he carries the Kenyan flag high in the race for the AUC Chairmanship. This is more than a candidacy; it is a national mission. Raila represents Kenya’s votes, values and aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him not just as a government but as a united people,” said Mudavadi.
Mr. Odinga, who was also in attendance, expressed optimism about his bid, noting that his candidacy had been positively received by both continental and global leaders.
He equally drummed up support for his bid, highlighting the key economic challenges plaguing the continent that need addressing.
“The AU needs to be strengthened in order to realise the dreams of our founding fathers. As individual countries, Africa is weak but as one united Africa we can have a much stronger voice,” he said.
