Mudavadi intensifies Raila's AUC campaign in Addis

Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi has urged African countries to vote for the Kenyan candidate  Raila Odinga as the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

Mudavadi said key among his roles will be to ensure peace and stability of the continent is fast tracked describing Raila as a pan Africanist who has a vast knowledge of Africa and its political dynamics. He will offer the required leadership to the continent at this hour of need, he said.

The PCS was addressing the media on the sidelines of the AU 46th Session of the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He noted that Africa needed a resolute  and a strong willed leader as Raila at a time when instances of conflicts have been reported.

"There are conflicts in the some parts of Africa, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, and challenges here and there. What we need is a leader who is ready to confront the issues, Raila stands out and is ready for the task" said Mudavadi.

He affirmed that  Raila is a seasoned politician with experience to confront issues affecting the continent, in addition to being ready to begin his assignment immediately, should he be elected on Saturday. 

Mudavadi urged the continent against any possible procrastination while choosing AUC chair because it requires immediate intervention on peace and conflicts resolution.

"If we do not get the chairperson of the AUC on Saturday at time when some African countries are in turmoil, we will send a picture of being weak, confused and indecisive at a critical juncture, Africa needs a decisive voice," said Mudavadi. 

Rules of the elections provide for several votes before the AUC chair is picked and failure for the final candidate to garner two-thirds votes could force the summit to postpone the vote to July this year. 
Currently there are three candidates for the AUC chair including Raila,  Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

He noted that the former Prime Minister is acutely aware of the challenges currently facing the continent and is ideally positioned to propose sustainable solutions for the betterment of African citizens. 

“Under his tenure, Raila’s agenda will be to scale up efforts to, bridge the infrastructural development gap, integration, economic transformation, enhancing intra Africa trade through African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), Financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace security, youth empowerment, and gender equity & equality in the continent,” he stated. 

Mudavadi exuded confidence that Raila will emerge victorious in the Saturday polls noting President William Ruto, himself and Raila had done all they could to win the seat for Kenya 

"In the remaining days, we will continue asking for a vote here and there, we are not taking chances until when the last vote is counted and victory given to us," said Mudavadi. 

The PCS dismissed claims that the government was ferrying people to Addis Ababa in anticipation of Raila’s victory noting that patriotic Kenyans and supporters of Raila were traveling privately to give moral support to the former Prime Minister. 

“We have been informed that tens of people and possibly in their hundreds were scheduled to privately travel to Addis Ababa, including those who will be using buses. It reflects patriotism. This will not be a Raila victory but that of Kenya as a whole,” said the PCS. 

He regretted that a few Kenyans with negative energy are hoping that Raila fails noting that they will be disappointed.