Kenya formally submits Raila's candidature for AUC chairmanship

Kenya has officially submitted the candidature of Raila Odinga for the Africa Union Commission chairperson.

The submission of documentation for Raila's candidature was made by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei to the Dean of Eastern Region, Dharmraj Busgeeth and to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

Dr Sing'oei was accompanied by Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, George Orina, Prof Makau Mutua and Amb Elkanah Odembo.

In a statement released by the State Department for Foreign Affairs yesterday, the government said it was the turn for the Eastern region to submit candidates for the AUC chairperson role based on the principle of inter-regional rotation.

“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 for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, to the Dean of Eastern Region, H.E. Dharmraj Busgeeth, Ambassador of Mauritius," the PS said in a statement.

Kenya is upbeat about Raila clinching the seat since he is qualified to head the commission and address challenges that have been grappling African countries for ages.

“Kenya has offered the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the position of AUC chairperson. This decision is informed by Mr Odinga’s Pan-Africanist credentials, his vast networks across Africa and his proven competence to lead AUC. He has served as Prime Minister and in various Ministerial portfolios and importantly as the High Representative of the AUC on Infrastructure,” read the statement.

The State Department for Foreign Affairs reiterated that Raila was aware of pressing challenges affecting Africa such as economic distress, conflicts, terrorism and environmental challenges and had already formulated strategies to address them.

“His leadership is visionary, and transformational and shall accelerate the implementation of the aspirations, goals and flagship programs. Mr Odinga’s focus and commitment is to harness Africa’s rich and vast prosperity,” stated the statement.

The delegation that submitted Raila’s candidature called on other African countries to support Kenya’s bid given the fact that the country has been loyal to the AU and has met all her obligations through financial support to AU’s initiatives besides helping to restore peace in conflict-prone countries.

Elections for the AUC Chairperson position will be held in February 2025 during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Africa Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Other candidates who have declared interest for the position include Fawzia Yusuf Adam, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Somalia and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Foreign Minister of Djibouti all of whom are hopeful to succeed the current chair Moussa Faki.