Raila's AU bid is a matter of national pride – Azimio

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance now says that the bid by their leader Raila Odinga to become the next African Union Commission chairperson is a matter of national pride.

In a statement on Tuesday, the coalition said that it is not a partisan political issue, which is why the country is united in supporting him.

The opposition welcomed the Kenya Kwanza administration's efforts to support the former Prime minister as he looks to lead the continent as AU Commission boss.

"The meeting also strongly welcomed the efforts of our country Kenya to back Hon. Odinga. We agree this is not a partisan political issue but a matter of national pride and image. We are united on this," Azimio said in the statement read by Jubilee's Jeremiah Kioni.

"We are also encouraged by the personal efforts of the Party Leader to win the seat without relying entirely on the endorsement by the state and we all committed to reach out to friends and fellow leaders out there in support of our leader’s bid."

The Azimio principals who met for the coalition's Summit meeting at the SKM Center reiterated that they remain fully behind Raila to become the AUC chair.

The coalition also appreciated all leaders of countries that have offered support for Raila's candidature. 

"It is our position as a coalition that it is in the best interest of the country and the East African Community that Rt. Hon Odinga takes the seat."

Raila seeks to take over the reigns at the AU Commission following the expiry of current chairperson Moussa Faki's term in January next year.

Kenya has fronted Azimio leader Raila Odinga to be the next chairperson of the AU Commission.

President William Ruto on Tuesday told EALA that East African heads of state have agreed to front one candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

Speaking during the opening of the third session of the East African Legislative Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, Ruto said the agreement attests to the strength of the East African Community (EAC).

"The chair of the AU is coming up next year as the term of our chair Moussa Faki comes to an end. It is going to be the turn for East Africa to provide the chair of the African Union," Ruto said.

"We have sat down in the spirit of the East African Community, we have consulted as heads of state from the East African Community together and we have agreed to sponsor one candidate as East Africans."

Raila announced his candidature for the position on February 15 and has received support from across the country’s political divide.