Kenya – Ruto To Formally launch Raila’s African Union Commission Chairmanship Next Week

 By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

President William Ruto will formally launch Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship bid next week; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced.

Speaking from his Railways Building office in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mudavadi emphasized that Africa needs a leader of Mr. Odinga’s caliber, further highlighting that President Ruto will officially announce the former premiere’s 2025 African Union Commission 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 African Union Commission Chairmanship, Raila Odinga,” said Mudavadi.

Kenya, Mudavadi added, had earlier in June submitted mandatory 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 Principal Secretary Doctor. 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 Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi .

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 African Union Commission Chairmanship polls.

“Odinga has outlined his vision for the African Union Commission, which is connected 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 Cabinet Secretary.

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 African Union Commission Chairmanship elections.

Secretary, according to Mudavadi, who also doubles as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, will give Mr. Odinga the opportunity to present his vision for Africa.

“Since 2017, the African Union has required 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 African Union 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 Cabinet Secretary further urged Kenyans to support Mr. Odinga’s African Union Commission 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 African Union Commission 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 African Union needs to be strengthened in order to realize 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.