By Deng Ghai Deng
Kenya officially launched Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) on Tuesday, marking a significant endorsement from East African nations.
The event, held at State House in Nairobi, saw a high-profile attendance of regional leaders and dignitaries, reflecting widespread support for Odinga.
The launch was attended by East African Community (EAC) members, including South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, and Rwanda’s former Defence Minister James Kabarebe.
Each leader voiced strong support for Odinga, emphasizing his Pan-African credentials and commitment to regional and continental progress.
President Kiir who is also the Chairman of the EAC praised Odinga’s dedication to African prosperity and urged the region to back his candidacy.
“My presence here today here is to confirm that the South Sudan endorsement of this decision is in place. I have known right Hon. Raila Odinga for many years and his Pan African Commitment and his consistency is admirable, his zeal and pan African prosperity will be of great value to the African Union,” Kiir said.
In her speech, President Suluhu of Tanzania highlighted Odinga’s contributions to the African Union’s founding goals and stressed the need for institutional reforms within the AU.
Meanwhile, Burundi’s Prime Minister Ndirakobuca emphasized the historical ties between Burundi and Kenya and expressed confidence in Odinga’s qualifications for the role.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Museveni also offered their endorsements, reflecting on Odinga’s leadership qualities and the broader implications for Africa’s future.
In his speech President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reflected on his long-term involvement in African struggles, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis in political management.
As Odinga steps away from Kenyan politics, his bid symbolizes a collective East African ambition for the AU’s top position.
Raila Odinga, a 79-year-old veteran politician who previously served as the Prime Minister of Kenya, is currently the AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
He is vying for the AU’s top seat in 2025, with the aim of fostering and strengthening African unity, economic development, cooperation, and integration.
Odinga is competing against other potential candidates, including Anil Gayan from Mauritius, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
Mr Odinga had already named his team which is composed of experienced diplomats, including former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, former Kenyan ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, Ambassador Anthony Okara, as well as Prof Makau Mutua and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr Caroline Karugu.