.jfif)
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said that the government is committed to helping former Prime Minister Raila Odinga win the African Union Commission chairmanship seat.
Mwaura said Raila has led a spirited, intensive, and strategic campaign to bag the AUC chair bid.
In a statement on Friday, Mwaura said Raila has received full support from leaders across the continent.
“As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections draw closer. Kenya reaffirms its unwavering support and optimism in the candidature of Raila Odinga for the Chairmanship. Over the past few months. Raila has led an intensive and strategic campaign, directly engaging over 40 African Heads of State and securing broad-based backing across the continent,” Mwaura added.
“His candidacy has received full endorsement from the East African Community (EAC), friends of Kenya and pan-African allies, demonstrating confidence in his ability to steer the African Union towards greater unity, economic transformation and institutional efficiency.”
The African Union is set to conduct elections from February 15 and 16.
The government spokesman said that Kenya's delegation remains fully engaged and committed to ensuring Raila’s victory.
He commended President William Ruto for the efforts made in campaigning for the former Prime Minister.
“The government of Kenya, under the leadership of President William Ruto, who doubles as the AU Champion on Institutional Reforms, continues to rally support for Raila’s bid. A Raila Odinga-led AUC would strongly complement President Ruto's efforts in driving critical AU reforms, ensuring that the African Union becomes more effective, responsive and people-centred,” Mwaura added.
Mwaura added that thousands of Kenyans, including members of the Kenyan diaspora in Ethiopia, have voluntarily converged in Addis Ababa to stand in solidarity with Kenya and Raila.
He reaffirmed that Kenya's official delegation remains standard-sized, by diplomatic protocols.
“Any other Kenyan who has travelled to Addis Ababa has done so voluntarily, at their own expense, inspired by their unwavering belief in Raila’s leadership. This demonstrates the true Kenyan spirit of love, peace and unity, as enshrined in our national anthem,” Mwaura added.
“Kenya remains confident that Raila’s vast experience, deep pan-African credentials and transformative vision will resonate with AU member states, leading to a successful election outcome.”
On Friday, a group of Kenyans gathered outside the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, singing songs of praise for Raila ahead of the AUC chairmanship election.
The team, which included a section of Nairobi MCAs, voiced their support for Raila, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC chairmanship.
“Tawala Africa, Tawala! Raila Odinga, tawala Africa, tawala!” they sang enthusiastically ahead of the Saturday poll.
Several Kenyan leaders, including MPs, governors, and senators, have travelled to Addis Ababa to offer Raila moral support as heads of state prepare to elect the next AUC chair.
Raila is set to face two main opponents in Saturday’s AUC election, where at least 49 heads of state and government have gathered for the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
