Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday continued a tour of colleges where he studied in the formative years of his higher education.
On Tuesday, he visited the Herder Institute in Leipzig where he studied between 1963 and 1964, a visit he said “brought back memories of my high school days”.
On Wednesday, the ODM boss issued an update saying he visited Otto Von Guericke University, Magdeburg, one of the youngest universities in Germany founded in 1993.
“I spent part of the day reflecting in Germany at my Alma Mater, Otto Von Guericke University Magdeburg. I visited the Engineering faculty, the Production Technology department, and lecture halls and reminisced in the halls of residence. Grateful for my foundational experiences here,” Raila said on X.
After Herder Institute, Raila received a scholarship in 1965 that sent him to the Technical College of Magdeburg, which is now part of the Otto Von Guericke University Magdeburg following a merger.
The University now comprises nine faculties and almost 13,800 students and is increasingly becoming a centre of education and research.
Raila’s Germany trip comes just days after he declared interest in the African Union Commission Chairmanship position on February 15, 2024.
“I have served as the African Union High Representative for infrastructure and it gave me an advantage to learn about each African country. I believe working together with these countries, we will be able to emancipate Africa," he said during a joint presser with former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Karen home.
"I offer myself to serve this continent. I am ready to go for the Chairmanship of the African Union.”
But despite receiving backing from various quarters including from the Kenya Kwanza administration, some like outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna have questioned Raila’s eligibility.
Raila’s biography indicates that he acquired a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970 in Germany.
A Masters Degree is one of the mandatory qualifications for prospective candidates for the AU Commission chairman's seat.
Candidates with a PhD in Law, International Relations, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a closely related field from a recognised institution have an added advantage.
Raila’s visit to his alma mater in Germany may serve as a credibility statement to remove doubts he studied or acquired any certification from there.