Wetang'ula meets Algerian envoy Mahi, lobbies support for Raila's AUC bid

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on Tuesday met Algerian Ambassador to Kenya Boumediene Mahi.

The meeting took place at Wetangula's office at the Parliament Buildings.

Speaker Wetang'ula said Kenya and Algeria enjoy cordial bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Wetang'ula sought support for Kenya’s African Union Commission Chairperson candidate Raila Odinga.

"I called upon the Algerian Ambassador to spread a message of goodwill amongst its allies," he said.

Wetang'ula added that Algeria sought Kenya’s backing for its former envoy to Kenya, Salma Malika Haddadi, who has been nominated for the AUC Deputy Chairperson position.

"During the engagement, we went on to review economic enablers that could be tapped on to spur economic growth and development."

Boumediene, who also serves as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and UN-HABITAT suggested sustainable ways of boosting the Agriculture sector through mechanisation and utilisation of technology.

The Azimio boss has received support from local and regional leaders after he declared his AUC bid.

Raila will run against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

Raila is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat as African Union Commission chairperson.

He has been receiving delegations from the globe in his office, as he drums up support for the seat.

The ODM leader has had discussions with Germany’s ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth and UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan.

The election for the next AUC Chairperson will be held in January 2025, coinciding with the end of Faki’s term.

Former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam has also backed Raila for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.

Fawzia who had been a contender for the seat declared her support for Raila after pulling out of the race.

Raila announced on X that Fawzia supports his bid after they “discussed key issues” regarding the continent.

“Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress,” Raila said.

In June, Fawzia reportedly disclosed that leaders from the federal government and four federal member states pressured her to withdraw her candidacy at the request of Djibouti.