Raila concludes campaign ahead AUC elections

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has concluded his campaign visits for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat with a stopover in Burundi.

Raila met President Evariste Ndayishimiye whom he thanked for honouring him with a warm reception.

“I will be heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the final stretch, and I thank you all for your unwavering support and prayers throughout the journey of my candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairmanship,” he said on his social media pages.

As he ended country visits, Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi asked African nations to vote for the Kenyan candidate to ensure the fast-tracking of peace and stability of the continent.

Mudavadi said Raila was a pan-Africanist who had a vast knowledge of Africa and its political dynamics and would offer the required leadership.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the AU 46th Session of the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mudavadi noted that Africa needed a resolute and a strong willed leader at a time when there are a number of conflicts.

"There are conflicts in the some parts of Africa, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, and challenges here and there. What we need is a leader who is ready to confront the issues, and Raila stands out and is ready for the task,” he said.

Mudavadi exuded confidence that Raila will emerge victorious in the Saturday polls noting President William Ruto, himself and Raila had done all they could to win the seat for Kenya

"In the remaining days, we will continue asking for a vote here and there, we are not taking chances until when the last vote is counted and victory given to us," said Mudavadi.

Raila will face Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the elections.

Africa’s heads of state are scheduled to pick Moussa Faki Mahamat’s successor during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16.