President Ruto Addresses Somalia’s Absence at Raila Odinga’s AU Chair Bid Launch Despite Invitation
On Tuesday, President William Ruto acknowledged the absence of Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud at the launch of Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson.
Addressing delegates at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto explained that Mohamud’s absence from Odinga’s AUC bid launch was due to unavoidable circumstances.
Ruto shared that he received a call from the Somali president, who informed him of his inability to attend the event.
Despite missing the event, Mohamud sent an apology and expressed his full support for Odinga’s bid for the continental position.
“I had invited the Somalia president, and he confirmed yesterday that he wouldn’t be able to attend,” President Ruto said.
“He called to explain that due to uncontrollable issues, he couldn’t be present but sent his apologies,” Ruto added.
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The event, overseen by Ruto, was attended by three East African Heads of State: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.
Also present were Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In his speech, Ruto emphasized that Africa needs to radically reform its institutions to better support growth and development.
He praised Odinga as the ideal candidate for the top continental role, highlighting his qualifications and experience.
“Kenya fully endorses his candidacy and pledges its wholehearted support for his vision and leadership,” Ruto stated.
“I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a courageous and wise leader, a skilled professional and statesman, and a veteran advocate for positive change,” Ruto concluded.
President Ruto Addresses Somalia’s Absence at Raila Odinga’s AU Chair Bid Launch Despite Invitation
