ODM leader and AUC Chair candidate Raila Odinga with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at their joint press conference on August 21, 2024. PHOTO|Raila Odinga/X
In Summary:
- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that President William Ruto will formally launch Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on August 27, 2024.
- Raila Odinga continues to gain support across Africa, including endorsements from Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has announced that President William Ruto will officially launch Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on August 27, 2024.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Raila Odinga on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Mudavadi emphasized Raila’s role in representing Kenya’s interests and values on the continental stage.
Mudavadi urged all Kenyans to support Raila Odinga as a unified nation, stating, “Raila Odinga represents Kenya’s voice, values, and aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him not just as a government but as a united people.”
“ It is also programmed that next week, on August 27, 2024, President William Ruto will be formally launching the candidacy of the Kenyan candidate in the name of Raila Amollo Odinga,” Mudavadi added.
We engaged in a productive dialogue, where I provided a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming official launch of his candidacy, to be led by H.E. President @WilliamsRuto on August 27th. pic.twitter.com/m9tKd9gMU8
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) August 21, 2024
Raila Odinga has been actively seeking support for his AUC bid, recently meeting with Republic of Congo President Sassou Nguesso and securing an endorsement from Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi.
The endorsements followed discussions on key issues including security and Raila’s vision for the AUC.
Raila’s competitors for the AUC chairmanship include Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssou, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
The candidates will face a panel of interviewers, including Burundian academic Paul Ngarambe and Ethiopian diplomat Konjit SineGiorgis, who will evaluate their vision for Africa and qualifications.
The next AUC chairperson will be selected from the Eastern Africa region, as decided by the African Union Executive Council in March, following the tenure of the current chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.