- Olekina explained how Raila's role in promoting diplomatic relations gives him the required experience for the AU Commission chairmanship position.
- Kenyan and African leaders alike have shown support for Raila Odinga since he announced his bid for the AU Commission Chairmanship.
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Narok Senator Ledama Olekina asserts that Opposition Leader Raila Odinga possesses the experience necessary to assume the AU Commission Chairmanship.
Speaking during a Monday interview on Citizen TV, the senator pointed out that it is not surprising that Raila has been endorsed by several leaders for the position.
Outlining Raila's qualifications for the job, Olekina said that he is experienced and fit because he understands Africa's social and economic context, and was instrumental in directing infrastructure growth.
"The truth of the matter is that Raila Odinga is experienced to be able to hold that position. He played a key role in trying to shape the infrastructure and development of Africa from 2013 to 2018," he said.
"He understands the social economic landscape of Africa," Olekina added.
Olekina further cited Raila's role in influencing the dredging of the Nile.
He says his influence played a key role in streamlining transport from Egypt to Lake Victoria and promoting the growth of the economies of AU member states.
Olekina also explained how Raila's role in promoting diplomatic relations gives him the required experience for the AU Commission chairmanship position.
"He has played a key role in trying to shape diplomacy in Africa. A good example is in Congo, during the transition from Kabila to Tshekedi," he noted.
Ledama says that he believes that Raila's popularity will also come in handy in advancing the African socioeconomic agenda if he gets the position.
Responding to a question on what would happen to the country's opposition when Raila moves to work in AU, the senator said that Raila is not going anywhere.
"Addis Ababa is very near if he sits there, it takes the shortest time to fly back into the country," he explained.
Ledama further cautioned against sensationalism and assured that there are younger voices in the opposition coalition that have learned from Raila.
'I don't think there is a vacuum. There are different generations and the younger generations learn from the older generation. We have a lot of young Kenyans. Everyone plays their role in shaping the alternative voice in terms of policy development in this country," Olekina said.
Kenyan and African leaders alike have shown support for Raila Odinga since he announced his bid for the AU Commission Chairmanship.