Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that Kenya is presenting Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission chairmanship because the continent deserves the best.
Speaking on Tuesday during the official launch of Raila's bid, at State House, Nairobi, Gachagua insisted that Raila is the finest person to lead Africa at the AU.
"We are here to unveil Kenya's finest to go and lead the continent. I want to tell leaders here from Africa and representatives, we present Raila because our motherland deserves the best," he said.
The Deputy President said that Raila's passion for Pan-Africanism is unmatched.
He added that passion knows no limits and that Kenyans are all united behind the former Prime Minister to take up the AU job.
"The passion and zeal of Raila in Pan Africanism is well documented. Passion knows no age, knows no limit," Gachagua said.
"Kenyans are united to a man for the candidature of Raila Odinga to lead AU."
In his remarks, Raila insisted that he intends to make the African Union a people-centered organisation, should he become its chairman.
Speaking on Tuesday during the official launch of his bid, Raila said that he will work with all heads of state to achieve this.
He said that he wants the people in the African continent to feel the AU's impact on their lives.
"I plan to work with you Excellencies and make African Union people-centred. African people should feel the African Union in their lives," Raila said.
He said that what he also wants to have is a united Africa and not one divided by regions.
The AU Commission elections will be held in February next year.
Kenya formally submitted Raila Odinga's bid in July.
Outgoing AUC chair Moussa Faki has served two four-year terms at the helm of the continental body.
