EAC Leaders to Back Raila Odinga for AU Commission Top Job, Ruto Says
The leaders of the East African Community (EAC) intend to support a single nominee for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
President William Ruto disclosed this information on Tuesday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, while speaking at the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala).
Two contenders from the area, Raila Odinga, the seasoned opposition leader and former prime minister of Kenya, and Fawzia Yusuf Adam, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Somalia, will compete for the position.
Nevertheless, President Ruto informed the members of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) that the presidents of the East African Community (EAC) have reached a consensus to endorse a single candidate for the position of chairman.
“We have sat down in the spirit of EAC, consulted as heads of state, and agreed to front one candidate,” Ruto said.
As per Ruto, the conclusion was reached following thorough consultations.
“We will sponsor one candidate as East African because that is the strength of our community,” he stated.
Raila’s nomination for the AUC chairmanship has sparked discussions within the Kenyan political landscape, especially considering his previous rivalry with President Ruto.
Since the announcement of his candidacy, the opposition leader has moderated his verbal criticisms of the Kenya Kwanza government led by Ruto.
The opposing faction has also experienced internal divisions, with certain members foreseeing the cessation of vigorous, direct opposition against the current government.
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There have been indications that the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Raila Odinga might split into two factions. One faction is anticipated to be aligned with ODM and have a significant influence in Western Kenya, while the other is expected to be associated with Jubilee and linked to former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Some analysts argue that if Raila is elected as AUC chairman, it will likely result in his withdrawal from the opposition in the realm of Kenyan local politics.
Nonetheless, Raila has consistently refuted these claims and maintains that he will continue to fulfill his role in the opposition, despite receiving support from Ruto for the AUC position.
Ruto additionally mentioned that the stability experienced in the area has played a role in the significant expansion of the East African Community (EAC), transforming it into a thriving commercial center with global competitiveness.
“There is no doubt that as a result of the progress made in entrenching our regional integration as a social, cultural, political, and economic reality,” he said.
He additionally declared that Kenya is set to host the International Development Association (IDA) Summit of the World Bank Group on April 29, 2024.
IDA stands as the primary provider of development aid and donor support for essential social services in 75 of the world’s least economically developed countries.
He mentioned that the gathering aims to assist in fostering economic change in Africa and across developing regions worldwide.
EAC Leaders to Back Raila Odinga for AU Commission Top Job, Ruto Says