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The Nairobian

Raila closer to make history as first EA leader to win seat

National

By Josphat Thiong’o | Aug 28, 2024

The official launch of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has now put him on the cusp of making history as the first leader from the East African region to occupy the seat.

With allied countries in tow and a continental charm offensive still in play, Raila is now gearing up to face off with Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf and Anil Gayan of Mauritious for the coveted seat.

And in what has been touted as Kenya’s most realistic opportunity to clinch the chairmanship, Raila’s reassurance of support from the region came in the form of Heads of State from neighbouring countries attending the event.

The Heads of State were yesterday hosted by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi where he (Ruto) formally unveiled Raila’s candidature. They included Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) and former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) as well as prime ministers and other delegates from the continent.

The AUC is the African Union’s secretariat and undertakes the day-to-day activities of the Union. It is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Chairperson of the Commission is the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU and the Chief Accounting Officer.

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Following a failed bid to secure the AUC seat in 2017, Kenya has so far mounted its strongest campaign yet and there are indications that it could emerge the victor. So far, Raila enjoys the support of 19 states among them Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan.

With the election slated for February, Raila needs to have secured another 15 countries to bring his total to 34 countries to guarantee a first round win. This represents at least two thirds votes from AU members.

Government sources who spoke to The Standard further revealed that out of the 55 African Countries, seven are ineligible to vote owing to a myriad of issues such as poor governance while others are reeling from effects of a coup. This means that only 48 states are eligible to vote and that Kenya has the support of 25.