- Raila Odinga is seeking to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, replacing Moussa Faki.
- Mudavadi reaffirmed government support for Raila’s AUC candidacy, with a campaign secretariat to support the effort.
- Mudavadi and Raila briefed the nation on the status of Kenya’s candidacy for the position.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi held a joint press conference to brief the nation on the status of Kenya’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
The press conference took place at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary at the Kenya Railways Headquarters, off Haile Selassie Avenue.
President Ruto has been at the forefront campaigning for Raila Odinga for the AUC post. Several heads of state have also publicly expressed their support for Raila’s AU bid, including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Support for Raila’s candidacy
Speaking during the event, Raila acknowledged the support he has received from the Kenya Kwanza government, saying that he is encouraged by the number of senior government officials backing his bid.
However, Raila was quick to note that the position is for Africa, not just Kenya. “I assured the team that on my own, I am making every effort to tap into my experience and relationships,” he stated.
He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to exchange notes on the status of the AUC bid.
Campaign secretariat
On his part, Mudavadi shared the government’s preparations and commitment in supporting Raila’s bid. “We said yes because Raila is qualified and a Kenyan. This is not about local politics; it is about national interests,” he said.
Mudavadi also unveiled the government’s plan to push for the election of Raila Odinga as the next AUC chairperson.
He said the campaign secretariat is currently preparing the application documents, including translating Raila’s CV into six languages that are widely spoken in Africa. He assured that this will be done before the August 7, 2024 deadline for submission of regional nominations.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, revealed that the campaign will be augmented by Kenya’s foreign missions across Africa. “Kenya is certain that our candidate, the Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, has the credentials and passion to advocate for Africa’s interests globally and champion more opportunities for Africa and her people,” he added.
Raila is seeking to replace Moussa Faki of Chad as the new AU Commission chairperson.