Kenya’s candidate for African Union Commission’s top job Raila Odinga now has three months to crisscross the continent and rally heads of state and governments behind his bid.
This is after he unveiled his candidature and vision to transform Africa ahead of the February 2025, polls. Raila launched his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission at a colourful event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – the AU headquarters – last Friday.
At the event, Raila promised to dismantle economic barriers, empower the youth and women and unite the continent behind a common goal – prosperity.
“We must return unity to the top of our priorities as Mwalimu Nyerere and Nkrumah did. Without unity in a fast-consolidating and changing world, Africa will continue to be marginalised, exploited and irrelevant,” he said.
“My leadership at the AU will not be one of the same rhetorics, where people meet a few times a year and return to their enclaves. My leadership will be pegged on the dreams of our forefathers who expected that by now, Africa would roar in one united voice.”
Raila promised to eliminate trade impediments and visa requirements that have stagnated growth.
“An Africa that does not require visas for other Africans. An Africa where men and women do not climb on a rickety boat, or in an airplane cargo hold, risking their lives to leave this continent, but an Africa the world is rushing back to,” he said.
“My economic transformation plan envisions an economically transformed continent, thriving on the richness of its resources and the ingenuity of its people. A continent that not only sustains itself but is a powerhouse of global trade.”
For the youth, Raila pledged he would place them at the centre stage and the driving force behind innovation and change.
“Picture vibrant cities buzzing with energy as young entrepreneurs leverage technology and creativity to build dynamic businesses.”
Empowering women and girls to pursue their dreams in every sector—from technology and politics to education and business also form part of his agenda.
This would be achieved by ensuring women’s and girl’s voices are heard in every decision-making process, creating a balanced and equitable society.
“Let us embark on this journey toward a brighter and more prosperous Africa. We owe it to ourselves, to our children and to generations yet to come,” he said.
The developments now set the stage for a vigorous campaign – door-to-door persuasion – around the continent.
The former ODM boss enjoys the support of Kenya’s government and the East African community, boosting his bid for the coveted seat.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei and former Kenya Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo are leading Raila’s campaign secretariat.
The secretariat comprises top diplomats and political strategists.
They include Makumi Mwagiru, Boaz Mbaya, Mohamud Jama, Dismas Mokua, Catherine Mwangi, Ochieng’
Kamudhayi, Herman Manyora, Tom Amolo and Karuti
Kanyinga.
