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The Nairobian

Raila is Africa's best bet, says Gachagua on AUC chairmanship bid

National

By Winfrey Owino | Feb 14, 2025

**ODM leader Raila Odinga chats with former DP Rigathi Gachagua at KICC, Nairobi on July 9, 2024.** [File, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has endorsed opposition leader Raila Odinga’s candidacy for African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, calling him the ‘best bet’ for the role.

Gachagua voiced his support on Friday, February 14, just hours before 49 African Heads of State were set to vote on a successor to outgoing chair Moussa Faki.

In a post on his official X account, Gachagua lauded Odinga’s pan-Africanist credentials and leadership.

“Kenya's finest Raila Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best…There is no doubt about Raila's worldview and championship for African people.”

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He continued: “As a continent, we need a Raila Odinga character to gel the Anglophone and the Francophone selves towards the continent of the future.”

Despite being longtime political nemesis, with Gachagua and Odinga backing opposing camps since 2017, the former deputy president has now thrown his support behind Odinga’s AUC bid.

Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru has also publicised her support for Raila’s candidature, saying ‘his leadership, dedication to Pan-Africanism, and commitment to regional integration have left a lasting impact.’

“I extend my best wishes as you seek to serve Africa as African Union Commission Chairperson. I am confident your experience will drive the continent’s development forward,” wrote Waiguru.

Odinga is set to face two other contenders in the Saturday, February 15 election, including Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato and Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.