During the formal launch of Raila’s AUC campaign at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, August 27, Ruto disclosed that at least seven countries have endorsed Odinga’s bid.
President William Ruto has drafted a game plan that will ensure Raila Odinga clinches the highest office at the African Union Commission (AUC), outlining Kenya’s dedication to announce herself to the whole continent of 54 states.
To do this, the Head of State has appointed Dr Korir Sing’oei, the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, as the head of Odinga’s bid for the AUC Chairperson position, which now cements Kenya’s official endorsement of Raila’s AUC candidacy.
Sing’oei will be supported by another Kenyan, Elkanah Odembo. Odembo is a former Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the United States and previously served as Kenya’s Ambassador to France. His addition is critical in helping Odinga navigate the complexities in terms of diplomatic relations and politics of the AU.
“To assist in making the case for Hon Odinga’s candidature, I also unveil the secretariat, which will be led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Ambassador Elkana Odembo. It will also include a diverse membership drawn from the five regions of the African Union,” President Ruto announced.
Raila Odinga speaking during the launch of his campaign for AUC seat on August 27, 2024. /PCS
Sing’oei and Odembo will be joined by five members, each representing a different region of the African continent. This regional diversity is seen as a strategic approach to garner widespread support across Africa.
During the formal launch of Raila’s AUC campaign at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, August 27, Ruto disclosed that at least seven countries have endorsed Odinga’s bid. According to Ruto, Odinga’s bid for the AUC seat has been endorsed by at least seven African presidents, including Cyril Ramaphosa (S. Africa), Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), and five from other EAC states.
Odinga’s selection of his campaign team points to his intent to present a pan-African vision. The team includes notable figures such as former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Professor Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu.
President Ruto emphasised the campaign’s significance, highlighting that Odinga’s candidacy transcends personal ambition.
“Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership. He embodies the extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics, which are crucial for leading the African Union further into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of our people,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State also held Raila in high regard, describing him as a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat who will do what it takes to make Africa proud and powerful.
“I know that Hon Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials, but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission. Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership,” Ruto added.
The election process for the AUC senior leadership positions is already underway, with interested candidates submitting their credentials and vision statements to their respective member states this month, documents that outline how each candidate plans to advance the AU’s transformative agenda and address the myriad challenges facing the continent.
The election for the AUC Chairperson, along with other key positions, will take place during the African Union Summit in February 2025.
The roles up for grabs in this high-level contest include the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and six Commissioner posts, each strategically allocated to ensure regional representation.
The launch of Odinga’s bid saw high-profile African leaders in attendance, further highlighting this campaign’s importance.
Among those present were Salva Kiir Mayardit, the East African Community (EAC) chair and President of South Sudan; Yoweri Museveni of Uganda; Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia; Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca; and Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.
