We will fully support Raila's AU top job bid - CS Duale

Defence CS Aden Duale on Friday said the government will fully back Azimio coalition party leader Raila Odinga's candidature for the chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The former prime minister said he is ready to serve in that position, having previously held the position of AU High Representative for Infrastructure.

"I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service. I have asked my friend (Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo to continue to be a good ambassador and talk to other people," he said.

Raila, who was accompanied by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, said he has consulted widely over the matter.

Duale said that the time had come for the seat to be occupied by a person from East Africa describing Raila as a very good national leader.

He was speaking in Bura town during the flagging off and inspection of several projects among them school buses and water boozers for Fafi schools.

He also flagged off motorbikes for chiefs and head teachers among other projects where National Assembly speaker Mosses Wetangula was the Chief Guest.

“We have decided in unison that we support our fellow Kenyan (Raila) who is overqualified for the job,” Duale said.

He said as a government, it is their responsibility to make sure that he is fully supported so that he gets the job.

He added:

"President William Ruto is not a petty leader. He is a very good National leader. And for that reason, he will lead from the front in ensuring that Raila clinches the seat."

The CS further heaped  praise on Wetangula describing him as one of the best in Kenya's history.

"Together with our members, the majority leader and chairs, you (Wetang'ula) have always made sure that the agenda of our government sails through," he said.

Duale said that being a former high-ranking MP who served for four terms, he can confidently say that the current crop of MPs is focused.

Duale said that the pastoral community were fully in the Kenya Kwanza government.

He said that the issue of addressing Infrastructure development in the region was on the right course.

He said construction of the the Modogashe-Habaswein-Samatar-wajir-Kotulo-Mandera  Road will be commissioned by President Ruto in May.

He further said that electricity challenges in Wajir and Mandera counties were also being addressed saying that a permanent solution will soon be found.