Opposition Chief Raila Odinga has officially launched his bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
The event, spearheaded by President William Ruto, drew the presence of several prominent leaders from across the continent.
At least three heads of state and two former presidents graced the much-anticipated occasion.
- President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania
- President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda
- President Salva Kiir of South Sudan
- Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi
- Former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria
- Rwanda’s interests were represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
On Monday, July 29, 2024, PS Korir Sing’oei announced that Raila Odinga’s application for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship had been officially submitted, following the protocols and regulations set by the African Union. The submission was made under the authority of the Kenyan government.
In Addis Ababa, Sing’oei, along with Kenya’s ambassador to Ethiopia George Orina, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition spokesperson Makau Mutua, and Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, delivered the documents to Dharmraj Busgeeth, the Ambassador of Mauritius and Dean of the Eastern Region.
Raila Odinga is vying for the AUC chairmanship to succeed Moussa Faki of Chad, whose term concludes early next year.
He faces contenders including Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.