The Government of Kenya has launched a campaign secretariat to assist political leader Raila Odinga in his pursuit of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
During a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi announced a consultative meeting with Odinga and his team to review their preparedness for this significant role.
Mudavadi expressed confidence in Odinga’s chances of securing the position and assured full government support.
He emphasized, “We have no doubt that the candidate will pursue excellence in line with the continent’s collective aspirations of the Africa we want in 2063 as framed in the AUC development framework.”
The newly formed secretariat will spearhead Odinga’s campaign efforts, working closely with his consultation team.
According to Mudavadi, “It will prepare all the briefs for use by the candidate, develop campaign materials including digital presence, and prepare for the public debate to be broadcast live for African citizens.”
He added that the team is finalizing preparatory and application documents, including translating Odinga’s resume into six languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, French, English, and Kiswahili.
These preparations are set to be completed by the end of June, ahead of the regional submission deadline on August 6, 2024. Public debates will commence six months before the election date.
Raila Odinga expressed gratitude for the government’s support, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving his goal.
“With committed and proper coordination between my team and the government, we should be able to clinch the seat.
We agreed that synergy is going to be critical as we embark on the next steps that include the submission of my application,” said Odinga.
He further noted his efforts to leverage his experience, relationships, and understanding of the continent to gain widespread support.
Odinga has already received positive endorsements from “senior government officials” and notable African leaders.
CS Mudavadi mentioned that President William Ruto’s lobbying efforts have been fruitful, stating, “So far our candidature has been positively received.”
Odinga has secured endorsements from nine heads of state, including Kenya’s William Ruto, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.
Additional support has come from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi.
Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa have also backed Odinga’s bid.
The African Union Executive Council decided on March 15, 2024, that the Eastern Africa region should submit candidates for the AUC chairperson position.
Odinga will face competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssouf and Somalia’s former deputy prime minister and current member of the Federal Parliament Fawzia Yusuf.
If successful, Odinga will serve as AUC chairperson from 2025 to 2028, succeeding Chad’s Moussa Faki, whose second term concludes next year.
Faki has held the position since 2017 and was re-elected in 2021.
