Azimio Leader and AUC Chairmanship Aspirant Raila Odinga Engages with a Delegation from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, Led by President Shammah Kiteme, on August 16, 2024. IMAGE: Raila Odinga / X
In Summary:
- Raila Odinga has been meeting with international and local delegations to build support for his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid.
- On Friday, Raila received the backing of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, led by their President Shammah Kiteme.
- On Thursday, Raila met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, who endorsed his AUC candidacy.
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Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s journey toward the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship is gaining momentum, with significant endorsements from both local and international figures.
Raila, who aims to succeed Moussa Faki as AUC chairperson, has been actively receiving delegations to garner support for his bid.
On Friday, Raila met with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, led by their President Shammah Kiteme. Raila announced that the Institution has declared its support for his AUC candidacy.
“We engaged in a discussion about the welfare and professional development of the engineering community. I’m happy to receive their support for my AUC bid and delighted that many more women are now engineers in Kenya,” Raila said.
In a pivotal meeting on Thursday, Raila met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss his AUC bid.
Raila stated that their conversation focused on key issues such as security, development, and climate change.
He further expressed his gratitude to Tshisekedi for endorsing his candidacy, saying, “Our conversation centred on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future.”
Azimio Leader and AUC Chairmanship Aspirant Raila Odinga Meets with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to Discuss His AUC Bid on August 16, 2024. PHOTO: Raila Odinga / X
Raila has also been in discussions with Germany’s ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, and UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, as part of his diplomatic efforts.
His campaign received a boost when former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam, who had been a contender for the seat, announced her support for Raila after withdrawing from the race.
“Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress,” Raila said.
Raila is competing against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
The election for the next AUC Chairperson is set for January 2025, coinciding with the end of Faki’s term.