Raila gets more endorsements as road to AUC gains momentum

Azimio leader Raila Odinga's road to the African Union Commission has gained momentum.

International and local leaders have come out to support him in his AU chairmanship bid.

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

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

On Friday, Raila met the Institution of Engineers of Kenya's delegation led by their President Shammah Kiteme.

Raila announced that the Institution has declared its support for his AU chairmanship bid.

"We engaged in a discussion about the welfare and professional development of the engineering community. I'm happy to receive their support for my AUC bid and delighted that many more women are now engineers in Kenya," Raila said.

On Thursday, Raila met the DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss his AUC bid.

"Our conversation centred on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future," Raila said on X.

He further thanked him for the endorsement to become the next AU chairman.

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

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.