President William Ruto has drummed up support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s African Union Chairmanship bid.
The President addressed the East African Officials where speakers and leaders were present during the East African Community (EAC) inter-parliamentary sports games.
He said that Raila’s leadership at the EAC will elevate East Africa’s position in Africa and the world.
“Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is vying for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). His vast experience, dedication to pan-African ideals and commitment to fostering integration make him an excellent candidate to lead the African Union Commission at this pivotal time,” Ruto said.
“I call upon all EAC Partner States to rally behind his candidacy. His leadership will give East Africa a stronger voice on the continental stage, enabling us to champion our shared priorities, protect our interests and accelerate Africa’s development agenda.”
The President said that a united East Africa supporting Raila’s bid will not only demonstrate the collective resolve but also affirm commitment to shaping the future of the continent.
Raila is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose term is coming to an end. The elections are slated for February 25, 2025.
He was on November formally unveiled Raila’s African Union Chairmanship candidature in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the event, Raila shared his vision and strategic priorities, aimed at driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
The platform enabled him to engage with a network of African Union stakeholders, fostering partnerships and laying out his proposed agenda for the continent’s advancement.
On Wednesday, Raila will face his main opponents in a high-stakes debate beamed live across Africa.
Mjadala Afrika Leadership debate will run from 1900 to 2100hrs East Africa Time.
Raila will face Anil Gayan (Mauritius), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar).
This is the first time the AUC candidates will be sharing a platform since declaring interest to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki.
The Africa Leadership Debate, or Mjadala Afrika, provides candidates with an opportunity to outline their vision of how they would lead the transformation of Africa.
The debate allows African citizens and stakeholders to ask questions of the candidates.
The engagement to be held in Adds Ababa, Ethiopia, will be televised in all the six official working languages of the AU: English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Kiswahili.
“The debate will be conducted by the two moderators who will address questions to the candidates in French and English,” a communication from AU read.
