Wetang'ula: Kenya's commitment to AU agenda remains intact

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) pan-Africanism and its agenda, days after failing to win the chairmanship.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga lost the position to Djibouti’s Foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. On Wednesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula (pictured) emphasised that Raila’s bid was not a personal endeavour but a collective Kenyan aspiration.

“We have been on tenterhooks for the past week, praying for and supporting the candidature of our brother, Raila Amolo Odinga, to become the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. His candidature was not just his; it was the candidature of the Republic of Kenya and its people,” said Wetangula.

Despite the setback, the Speaker reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to pan-Africanism and the AU’s agenda, calling for increased efforts to free Africa from poverty and underdevelopment.

“Africa is the richest continent in the world, yet it is home to the poorest people. We look forward to a day when the immense wealth embedded in our continent will be reflected in the prosperity of its people,” he said.

He urged the newly elected AUC Chairperson, Mahmoud, to work with all African nations, regardless of their voting positions in the election.

“Africa should not just be on the agenda of world leadership, we must sit at the table of world leadership. We should not merely be invited to where global leaders gather; instead, we must invite others to join us at the leadership table because we rightfully belong there,” Wetang’ula added.

He also dismissed concerns that the election results could affect governance and service delivery in Kenya. Responding to speculation over possible political fallout from the vote, Wetang’ula maintained that Kenya’s leadership remains united in its commitment to national development.

“I do not know, and I don’t think so, because the commitment to friendship, political realisation, and camaraderie—above all, the understanding that Kenya needs all of us to contribute to the betterment of its people—is not built on quicksand. It is a solid foundation that will propel this country forward,” he said.

He emphasised that elections are democratic exercises where leaders compete but must unite afterward for the country’s progress.