Kenya’s top political figures, including longtime rivals, are rallying behind former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Raila is set to face two main opponents in Saturday’s AUC election in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where at least 49 heads of state and government are convening for the 38th Ordinary Summit.
While President William Ruto—Raila’s former arch-rival turned ally—has been aggressively campaigning for him, other key leaders have also thrown their weight behind his bid.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kenya’s de facto opposition leader, has publicly affirmed his support for Raila’s candidacy.
In a personal statement, Kalonzo praised Raila’s resilience in championing democracy despite numerous attempts to silence him.
He described Raila as the most consequential statesman of "our times."
“Raila’s vision for our beloved continent resonates with Africans both at home and abroad,’’ Kalonzo said.
“As a son of Kenya and an internationally respected advocate for Africa’s well-being, I fully support Raila’s bid for the AUC presidency and wish him all the best.”
Kalonzo also noted that when Raila released his biography, he was most struck by what was not included: his capacity to forgive, to sit and reason with those who had inflicted the greatest harm on him and his family.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also endorsed Raila, stating that he is undoubtedly the best candidate for the AUC chairmanship.
“Africa deserves the best. There is no doubt about Raila’s worldview and his commitment to championing the interests of African people,’’ Gachagua wrote on X.
“As a continent, we need a leader like Raila Odinga to bridge the gap between Anglophone and Francophone Africa and to guide us toward a united and prosperous future.”
Gachagua added that should Raila win, it would be a testament to his lifelong commitment to Pan-Africanism.
“Raila Odinga’s victory will be a win for Africa and a proud moment for Kenya, our motherland.”
Gachagua, who was Raila’s fiercest critic during the 2022 general election, campaigned vigorously against him as part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Ironically, Raila’s newfound camaraderie with President Ruto was seen as a key factor in Gachagua’s political sidelining.
National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula also expressed his support, emphasizing the significance of Saturday’s AUC election in shaping Africa’s future.
“I, alongside the National Assembly of Kenya, extend our best wishes to Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in his bid for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission,’’ Wetang’ula said.
He lauded Raila’s unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism, good governance, and regional integration, describing him as a formidable leader for the role.
“May his vision, experience, and dedication to Africa’s progress steer the continent toward greater unity and prosperity,’’ he added.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni also extended his goodwill to Raila ahead of Saturday's vote.
"We wish Raila Odinga success at the AUC. He has worked hard like he does when he focuses on something,'' he said.
Raila Odinga is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki as AUC chairperson in what is expected to be one of the most significant diplomatic contests of his career.
He will face Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud
Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard
Randriamandrato in the election.
