Kenya has officially unveiled former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the country’s candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
President William Ruto on Tuesday led Kenyans in launching Odinga’s candidature for the continental post in an event that was also attended by several leaders and heads of state across the region.
Ruto in his speech lauded Odinga as a pan-Africanist and the right candidate for the job, adding that his election to the post will be a win for the continent.
“I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful,” Ruto said.
“Hon Odinga enjoys a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa’s possibilities and exemplary commitment to the cause of laying a robust foundation for Africa’s transformation in our time,” he added.
Odinga on the other hand, said that he was ready for the task ahead, arguing that the time had come for Africa to rise up and shape its future.
The ODM leader added that if elected, he will work towards uniting Africa, improving trade, infrastructure, health, fight climate change among other issues.
“When the king roars, the jungle listens. I am ready for Africa; I am here as the African lion. It is our time to rise, unite, and shape a future in which every African is empowered and our continent thrives. Together, we can construct a future that reflects our shared vision and power,” Odinga said.
Also present at the event were presidents Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) and the Prime Minister of Burundi Gervais Ndirakobuca.
Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) and Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) were also present while Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame was represented by his Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The launch comes even as Odinga in July formally submitted his application for the top job at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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The application was lodged by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singo’ei to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union through the Dean of Eastern Region Dharmraj Busgeeth, who is also the Ambassador of Mauritius.
“Under the authority of the Government of Kenya and as per the Statutes and Rules of the African Union Commission, we have today formally submitted requisite documentation of Kenya’s nominee for the Chairmanship of African Union, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Dr Singo’ei said in a statement.
Kenya has proposed Mr Odinga’s candidacy to replace outgoing AUC chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, to be that of the EAC and not just Kenya’s.
The opposition leader has so far received the endorsement of several leaders and heads of state in Africa, including presidents of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia.
The withdrawal of former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf from the race and her subsequent backing of the former Prime Minister has also boosted Odinga’s chances in the race.
The event will be graced by various regional dignitaries including Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.
Odinga is facing competition from Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar).
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