Opposition leader Raila Odinga is intensifying his campaign for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, having recently met with South Sudan President Salva Kiir and East African Community (EAC) ministers.
Raila’s engagements include a meeting with President Kiir in Juba last Thursday, during which he highlighted the South Sudan leader’s support for his AUC candidacy ahead of the February 2025 elections. Raila mentioned that President Kiir has pledged to mobilize the entire East African Community (EAC) to endorse his candidacy.
“Had a very productive meeting in Juba with the President of South Sudan. Thank you, Salva Kiir Mayardit, for hosting me. Your support and commitment to rallying the entire EAC block behind my AUC Chair candidacy are greatly appreciated,” said Raila on his X account.
Kiir currently chairs the EAC Heads of State Summit, which provides strategic guidance for achieving the Community’s goals and objectives. Yesterday morning, Raila Odinga continued his campaign on the island of Zanzibar, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Raila’s campaign team includes former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, legal scholar Prof Makau Mutua, former Nyeri Deputy Governor Ambassador Caroline Karugu, Ambassador Anthony Okara, and Ambassador Mahboub Maalim, who are working to secure his candidacy for the February 2025 election.
Raila has already garnered support from several East African Heads of State, including Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Salva Kiir.
Meanwhile, Mudavadi, who also serves as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, led the Kenyan delegation on the second day of the EAC ministerial meeting in Kiwengwa, Zanzibar, where he engaged with EAC ministers on various regional matters of interest.
“It is imperative for us as a region to embrace dialogue and realign our priorities to reflect innovative approaches that meet the expectations of our growing youthful population,” said Mudavadi.
He said: “As we deepen our regional integration and cooperation in key areas such as economic development, trade, investment, and security, we must ensure that the aspirations of our youth are at the forefront of our efforts.” Mudavadi charged that the constructive dialogues aim to fortify bonds among East African nations and enhance the AU’s capacity to effectively address regional and global challenges.
Raila Odinga was accompanied by Interior and National Coordination Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, former CEO of the Postal Corporation of Kenya Dan Ameyo, and his daughter Rosemary, as depicted in photos released by Mudavadi’s media team upon his arrival at one of the meetings. Raila’s visit to Zanzibar aligns with Kenya’s endorsement of his candidacy for the continental position.
His discussions with EAC ministers will focus on enhancing regional cooperation and advancing the African Union’s agenda for continental integration and development. Kenya’s unwavering support underscores Raila’s leadership credentials and commitment to promoting unity across Africa. His presence in Zanzibar highlights his role as a unifying figure in East Africa and underscores his strategic vision for promoting economic collaboration and political stability.
