Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told off critics of his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid, saying that they should meet him at the ballot.
Speaking on Sunday when he attended the thanksgiving ceremony of Governor Gladys Wanga following his appointment as the party’s national chairperson, Raila insisted that he is ready to serve the African continent.
He went on to say that he has already outlined his vision for Africa and that all he wants to do is create opportunities for the youths and people in general.
Raila said that he wants to see an Africa where all people can do business and work anywhere, regardless of their home country.
“Mimi niko tayari kuhudumia Africa. Kuna wale wananipinga lakini nimesema tukutane kwa kiwanja. Nimewaambia yale nataka ni kuona kwamba Waafrika wamepata nafasi ya kufanya biashara kila mahali. Unatengeneza bidhaa Kenya, unauza Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa na kadhalika. Na ukiwa mkenya unaweza kufanya kazi kule Morocco, Burundi na kadhalika,” he said.
This loosely translates to, “I am ready to serve Africa. There are those who oppose me but I have said let's meet on the ballot. I have told you what I want is to see that Africans have the opportunity to do business everywhere. You make products in Kenya, you sell in Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa and so on and if you are Kenyan, you can work in Morocco, Burundi and so on".
Raila has received criticism from Kenyans over his decision to work with President William Ruto in exchange for support to become the next AUC chairman.
This comes 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.
Raila promised to eliminate trade impediments and visa requirements that have stagnated growth.
For the youth, Raila pledged he would place them at the centre stage and the driving force behind innovation and change.
Empowering women and girls to pursue their dreams in every sector—from technology and politics to education and business also forms 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.
