Former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo is currently in Nairobi, amidst talk of Azimio leader Raila Odinga being fronted for the African Union Commission chair job.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Obasanjo who is an African Union Special Envoy said he is in Kenya, because of three reasons.
His first reason was that he is friends with Raila and his family and he is also holding some consultations.
“My visit was really three reasons. One, Brother Raila is a friend of many years. I am consulting,” Obasanjo who held the presser jointly with Raila said.
He added that he is also following on the progress on the talks between President William Ruto and Raila, which he brokered to stop the weekly opposition protests in the country.
Obasanjo added that because of this, he will also be engaging President Ruto.
“Second thing is that not too long ago I was here with President Ruto and Raila and we went to Mombasa and the outcome of that exercise was for each from the two parties to form a committee and I understand that committee has done great work. I want to see what progress we are making in that line. I will be seeing the president with whom I’m also regularly in contact.”
Obasanjo said his third reason for being in Nairobi is consulting.
He said the African Union leadership needs someone who has the experience and is fully aware of what the situation is in the continent
“The third is what I said, we need a person, man or woman who has experience. Who understands the situation we are in. Who comes from a background that can make a difference,” Obasanjo added.
Raila on his part explained that he was the best candidate for the job.
“I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this African continent when called upon,” he said.
Raila said he had been consulting widely among friends on whether to take the job or not.
“ I have served in the AU in the capacity of high representative, it gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about every African country and the comparative advantages and I believe that by walking together with the countries we can make Africa great,” he said.
Any candidate for the AU top job must be fronted by member states.
