Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga now says that the African Union Commission needs strengthening.
Speaking on Wednesday, Raila said this will help African countries to realise the dreams of their founding fathers—a united and prosperous continent.
"We're happy to see that Africa has come of age from the ashes of the Organisation of African Union but today's African Union needs to be strengthened to enable African countries to realise the dreams of our Founding Fathers," Raila said.
"A united, peaceful and prosperous Africa where citizens feel free and united and can work productively in the continent."
The former Prime Minister spoke after a meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at his Railways headquarters office.
Raila said the continent still faces a myriad of challenges, including healthcare, education, wealth creation, and employment.
He pointed out cases where youthful African men drowned in the seas trying to sneak into Europe for greener pastures.
The Azimio leader insisted that this should not be the case.
"As you know, many young African boys drown in the Mediterranean as they try to run away from poverty and the challenges in the continent; seeking greener pastures in Europe.
"This doesn’t have to happen if we create a conducive and enabling environment for these people to get employed on the continent of Africa."
In July, Kenya formally submitted the ODM leader's bid for the African Union Chairmanship seat.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Singo'ei said the government had presented the requisite documentation of Kenya's nominee for the Chairmanship to the Dean of Eastern Region.
Present during the submission of the bid were Raila's close ally Makau Mutua and Kenya's ambassador to Addis Ababa George Orina, among other officials.
The government formed a joint campaign secretariat to help Raila in his bid.
The joint secretariat brings together strategy and campaign teams from Raila's camp and the government's side.
The secretariat is domiciled at the Railways Building which houses the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
President William Ruto will officially launch Raila's bid for African Union Commission chairmanship next week.
