President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet has urged Kenyans to shun tribalism and embrace inclusivity.
In a video seen by the Star, Farouk stated that they had seen some leaders preaching tribalism, something he stated was not good.
Speaking in Vihiga, Farouk asked all Kenyans to walk together and follow the example of church leaders who consistently preach love and peace.
"Let's borrow a leaf from our church leaders who always preach love, peace, and unity among all Kenyans," he stated.
Ruto's aide also asked Kenyans to pray for Raila Odinga who is Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.
"Let's pray for Raila Odinga to ensure he succeeds in his bid to become the AUC chairperson," Farouk said.
Raila Odinga has said that he is confident that he will win next week’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship elections.
Speaking on Saturday, Raila said he is optimistic that African leaders will rally behind his bid to become the next AUC chairperson.
He said that so far, he has travelled across the continent and shared his agenda for Africa with all Heads of State and government.
Raila added that he is ready to work with all leaders to better the lives of the people of Africa, insisting that he will give the job his best.
“We have travelled the whole of Africa, met leaders and talked to them about our vision for our continent, Africa for Africa, which is my agenda and I am confident I will be elected AUC chairman," he said.
Africa’s heads of state are scheduled to pick Moussa Faki Mahamat’s successor during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16.
Raila will face Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the elections.
Kenya for the second time has a candidate in the AUC chairperson race after nominating former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed for the job in 2016.
The chairperson is elected by member states, excluding countries under military rule.
Out of 55 African countries, 48 AU states are eligible to vote. A candidate must garner a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.
The new AU chairman will be faced with the enormous task of tackling Africa’s problems ranging from high poverty levels, runaway debt, insecurity, illiteracy and poor health services among others.
