BY CALEB MWAMISI - Political commentator
Cometh the hour cometh the man. And that man is Raila Odinga.
The election of a new African Union Commission chairperson is a defining moment in Africa’s pursuit of unity, self-reliance and prosperity.
This position holds the power to influence the continent’s future, especially as it navigates internal challenges and a changing global landscape.
Raila Odinga’s candidacy offers Africa a unique opportunity to embark on a transformative path, with his extensive experience aligning directly with the AU’s mission of political stability, economic integration and sustainable development as outlined in Agenda 2063.
The election is in February 2025. Other candidates are from Djibouti, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Throughout his long and multi-faceted political career, Odinga has consistently championed these ide- als, demonstrating a commitment to advancing Africa’s economic and infrastructural growth.
His significant role in cross-border projects, especially in transport and energy, underscores his belief that Africa’s future prosperity depends on enhanced connectivity and integration.
This vision mirrors the AU’s goals, particularly in creating an Africa where trade and collaboration flow seamlessly across borders.
Odinga’s solutions are grounded in Africa’s own resources and capabilities, making him precisely the kind of leader the AU needs at this critical juncture. But Odinga’s suitability for the role extends far beyond his focus on infrastructure.
His leadership is fundamentally anchored in values of democracy, peace, and social justice—principles that are at the heart of the African Union’s mandate.
Throughout his career, Odinga has advocated for democratic ideals, often in the face of significant personal and political adversity.
His role in Kenya’s 2007 electoral crisis, and the subsequent peace agreement brokered under the mediation of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, demonstrates his ability to manage and resolve complex political challenges.
This experience in mediation is invaluable to the AU, particularly in fostering peace and stability across the continent. Odinga’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution is not theoretical — he has consistently acted as a mediator in some of Africa’s most challenging political environments, proving that his advocacy for peace and stability is grounded in real-world action.
Raila’s candidacy for the AUC Chair presents the African Union with a unique opportunity to elevate a leader who blends visionary leadership with practical experience.
Odinga’s bond with figures like Nelson Mandela, grounded in shared ideals of justice, freedom, and equality, highlights his profound historical understanding of Africa’s liberation struggles and post-colonial governance.
Mandela, who often described Odinga as a “great leader,” admired his steadfast dedication to democracy and the empowerment of Africa’s people.
This deep admiration was more than personal; it reflected a common vision for a continent that could rise above exploitation and oppression to achieve continental solidarity, free from nationalistic divides.
Nelson Mandela is said to have refused to leave Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while making a two-hour stop over in Nairobi - where he remained in the terminal, with his agents saying he was tired and sleeping- apparently due to frustration with the Moi regime's corruption and failure of it to honour the families of Kenya's freedom heroes. When he had visited earlier in 1990, he had sought to meet the families.
His relationship with Raila Odinga remained strong and warm. Mandela’s decision not to meet with Moi at the time spoke volumes about his discontent with the Kenyan government’s handling of the country’s post-Independence struggles.
However, his bond with Odinga, founded on mutual respect and shared values of justice and freedom, endured through these tensions.
This alignment with Mandela’s vision of political independence and economic empowerment for Africa continues to shape Odinga’s own political philosophy.
It is not surprising, therefore, that Odinga’s emphasis on African-led solutions for Africa’s problems resonates so closely with the principles of Agenda 2063.
His advocacy for greater African control over the continent’s resources and decision-making processes aligns with the urgent need for Africa’s voice to be stronger on the global stage.
As the continent faces unprecedented challenges, Africa cannot afford to miss the opportunity to elect a leader like Raila Odinga — someone who not only understands these issues but has worked tirelessly to address them through tangible, actionable policies.
Odinga’s candidacy presents a chance for the African Union to usher in a new era of leadership — one that embraces tough decisions and bold reforms.
As the AU strives to assert itself as a global player, it needs leadership capable of navigating complex intra-continental politics while driving genuine transformation in governance, security, and development.
Odinga’s extensive experience in these areas, coupled with his ability to build alliances and mediate disputes, equips him to lead the AUC through Africa’s rapidly evolving political and economic landscape.
Raila Odinga’s act of swearing himself in as “People’s President” in 2017 was a bold move against a contested electoral process, asserting his belief in the people’s will and standing up for democracy.
Similarly, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president in 2019, inspired by Odinga’s defiance against an allegedly rigged election. However, while Odinga’s self-swearing-in garnered significant attention and contributed to his political narrative, Guaidó’s attempt did not achieve the same result.
Despite initial international support, Guaidó failed to consolidate sufficient domestic and military backing, and his leadership, and eventually lost momentum, unlike Odinga, who continued to shape Kenya’s political landscape through dialogue and influence.
This contrast highlights the differences in political dynamics in Kenya and Venezuela, showing how a bold stance can sometimes have varying degrees of impact.
Raila’s leadership would not merely preserve the status quo but push for vital reforms, especially in regional integration.
With his deep understanding of cross-border cooperation and international diplomacy, Odinga is uniquely positioned to champion initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, aligning diverse nations towards a common goal of economic integration.
His diplomatic acumen and negotiation skills make him the ideal leader to guide Africa toward greater unity and prosperity.
Africa must seize the opportunity
to elect Raila Odinga as chairman of
the African Union Commission as it
would not only signal Africa’s readiness to tackle the complexities of the
21st Century but also ensure these
values move from aspiration to reality.
