Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has described ODM leader Raila Odinga as a tested pan-Africanist who is competent to serve the African Union Commission as chairperson.
Speaking on Thursday, Duale said the country is confident of Raila's capabilities to serve Africa.
“We know our candidate, we know his experience, and we know his capabilities. We are presenting a tested, experienced African statesman. A Pan Africanist to the continent," he said.
Duale said that he has worked with Raila before and even served as an assistant minister when he was the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya.
He noted that Raila has previously worked as the continent’s special envoy for Infrastructure development under outgoing chairman Moussa Faki and is best placed to take over the leadership of the Commission.
“His (Raila Odinga) role as our candidate for the African Union Commission Chairperson and his experience as former Special envoy for infrastructure development in Africa are very invaluable and very dear to us," Duale said.
"Because I have an opportunity here, Let me say it. 16 years ago, I Hon. John Mbadi, and the current president served in his government where he was Prime Minister. The current President was Minister for Agriculture, me and Mbadi were deputy ministers busy answering questions in those days.”
Duale’s remarks came a day after Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs announced that President William Ruto will officially launch Raila’s bid for the AU job next week, on August 27, 2024.
In July, Kenya formally submitted the ODM leader's bid for the African Union Chairmanship seat.
"It is also programmed that next week, August 27, 2024, His Excellency President William Ruto will be formally launching the candidacy of the Kenyan Candidate in the name of Raila Odinga," Mudavadi said.
"Hon Raila Odinga represents Kenya's voice, values and aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him, not just as a government but as a united people."
