- The President said that Kenya should position itself appropriately in the African continent as it is the future in all aspects.
- Raila is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki as African Union Commission chairperson.
Image: JAMES ORENGO/ X
President William Ruto has drummed up support for the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his African Union Commission chairmanship bid.
Ruto added that Raila has the skills and knowledge to lead the African continent.
While speaking in Kakamega on Saturday, the President urged Kenyans to unite and back Raila's bid as it is important for the nation.
"We should be united because we have an opportunity as a country to produce the next chairman of the Africa Union Commission, we must work together. It is not a position that belongs to a person. It is our collective position as a country and therefore all of us must support our former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for that position," Ruto said.
The President said that Kenya should position itself appropriately in the African continent as it is the future in all aspects.
"It is a position that will allow our country to serve at that level and we have confidence that our former Prime Minister has the requisite experience understanding and knowledge to provide leadership for our continent."
Ruto was speaking when he attended the homecoming ceremony of Cooperative and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya.
He called on leaders to embrace unity and reconciliation for the greater good of the nation.
Raila's road to the African Union Commission gained momentum after International and local leaders came out to support him.
Raila is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki as African Union Commission chairperson.
Raila has since highlighted his priorities and strategies should he clinch the prestigious continental position during the February 2025 polls.
In his eight-point agenda, Raila listed economic transformation, enhancing intra-African trade, financial independence, gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, continental integration, and peace and security as his focus areas.
“As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will offer participatory leadership to ensure delivery on the priorities of the African peoples as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063,” Raila states in his vision statement.
He further stated that he envisions a united Africa that’s characterised by peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress for all while advocating for the continent to harness its vast human and natural resources to take its rightful position in the current century.
On continental integration, Raila said he has his eyes set on strengthening regional integration and cooperation to promote trade, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
“I will support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and drive the implementation of initiatives to enhance continental unity and prosperity,” he said.
On Economic Transformation, he spoke of spearheading initiatives that create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract investment and promote innovation and entrepreneurship which are key to achieving economic transformation.