The discussions that took place despite recent political developments highlighted the need for a united and stable Africa.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday, August 6 met German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth and UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan in a move to bolster his candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.
The discussions that took place despite recent political developments highlighted the need for a united and stable Africa.
The AUC candidacy formed part of the high-level discussions between the trio, with Raila taking to his social media platforms to express gratitude to the two European countries.
“Had productive discussions with Germany’s Ambassador Sebastian Groth and UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan on recent developments and my AU Commission candidacy.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga held discussions with Germany’s Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. /RAILA ODINGA
“We all agree that a strong and stable Africa benefits us all. Grateful for Germany and the UK’s continued partnership and commitment to engagement,” he wrote.
On his part, Ambassador Groth expressed his admiration for Raila’s vision and reminisced on the latter’s years of study in Germany after showing linguistic prowess.
“Today had the pleasure to meet Hon Raila Odinga. Talked about politics, his pan-African vision and his student years in Germany. Very impressed by his German language skills,” Groth noted.
The meetings come at a time when Raila is heightening his campaign for the African Union Chairperson (AUC) Chairperson role. Known for his long-standing commitment to pan-Africanism and regional integration, Raila’s bid has attracted considerable international attention.
Meanwhile, his competitors had until August 6, 2024, to submit their names ascertaining their candidacy for the leadership positions at the AUC.
In a statement, the AU pointed out that only names submitted before then will be considered in the pre-selection process undertaken by the Panel of Eminent Africans.
“Only names of candidates submitted by the region will be considered in the pre-selection process undertaken by the Panel of Eminent Africans. Further, only Member States that are not under AU sanctions are allowed to submit candidates,” read the statement in part.
On July 29, Kenya formally submitted the requisite documentation of Odinga who is aiming to replace outgoing AUC chairperson Mousa Faki.
The AUC elections will be held in February 2025 during an AU summit with eight positions up for grabs including the chairperson, the deputy chairperson, and 6 commissioners.
Odinga’s candidacy has so far been endorsed by over eight heads of state, including Kenya’s William Ruto, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
On April 26, Raila revealed his manifesto declaring what he intends to fulfil in the event he is elected African Union (AU) Commission chairperson, including reducing the burden Africans have in terms of travel between the 54 countries in the continent.
PS Korir Sing’oei submits documents for Raila Odinga’s candidature in Addis Ababa on July 29, 2024. /KORIR SING’OEI