President Ruto Invites EAC Presidents to Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission Bid Launch
President William Ruto has extended an invitation to East African Community (EAC) Heads of State to attend the grand announcement of Kenya’s candidate for the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Raila Odinga, on Tuesday.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all EAC Heads of State are invited to the event, which will officially kick off Mr. Odinga’s campaign for the February 2025 elections.
The EAC includes eight member states: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Kenya has positioned Mr. Odinga’s candidacy as a collective EAC endeavor rather than a national one, following the withdrawal of former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf from the race and her endorsement of Mr. Odinga.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei informed Sunday Nation that the unveiling ceremony will take place at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 27.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, indicated that President Ruto will present a formal campaign strategy for Mr. Odinga, which is expected to energize his pursuit of the continental role.
“This candidacy represents more than just an individual effort; it embodies a national mission. Raila Odinga reflects Kenya’s voice and aspirations on the continent. As he advances, let us support him collectively, both as a government and as a united nation,” Mr. Mudavadi stated.
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President Ruto is anticipated to announce a team of government strategists who will collaborate with Mr. Odinga’s team at a joint secretariat established in Nairobi to boost regional campaigns and shuttle diplomacy for securing the AUC position for Mr. Odinga.
Mr. Odinga has already assembled his team, which includes seasoned diplomats such as former IGAD Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, former U.S. ambassador Elkanah Odembo, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Professor Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu.
Speaking to Sunday Nation, Mr. Odembo noted that the Tuesday launch will enhance regional campaign efforts.
“It will provide the campaign with the necessary visibility and momentum, reaffirming Kenya’s dedication and seriousness in achieving Raila Odinga’s and Kenya’s goal of leading the AUC. It will indicate that the campaign is in full swing,” Mr. Odembo said.
Mr. Odembo added that President Ruto would highlight Mr. Odinga’s exceptional qualifications and experience for the AUC position during the event, which will also include the Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi.
Mr. Odinga is competing against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
Given that Djibouti, Mauritius, and Madagascar are Francophone countries, Kenya aims to leverage this to strengthen its bid.
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Mauritius and Madagascar are part of the Southern African Development Community region.
“Our strategy is to secure not only full support from the East African Community but also to turn the campaign into a regional effort,” Mr. Odembo added.
However, Djibouti has posed a significant challenge for Kenya, turning the race into a likely two-nation contest.
Mr. Odinga’s team acknowledges the challenge posed by Djibouti.
“Djibouti’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa and its numerous overseas military bases make it a formidable competitor. We are mindful of this and incorporating it into our campaign strategy,” said a strategist from Mr. Odinga’s camp.
The team will continue engaging with key cities like Kigali, Brazzaville, and Kinshasa, which Mr. Odinga has visited recently.
“These visits are part of an ongoing effort to secure support and advocacy from these capitals for Kenya, Raila Odinga, and the EAC,” the strategist added.
Djibouti and Kenya are both members of IGAD, along with Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Sudan is currently suspended from African Union activities due to a coup in October 2021, rendering it ineligible to vote.
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Djibouti previously challenged Kenya in international elections, including a bid for the UN Security Council. Kenya won that contest despite Djibouti’s objections and hopes to overcome Djibouti again in the AUC race next year.
Mr. Odinga has announced his shift from Kenyan to continental politics for the AUC post, suggesting a potential exit from active local politics.
He has indicated that his involvement in Kenyan politics will diminish as he focuses on the continental campaign, although his future role in party leadership remains uncertain.
Mr. Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, confirmed during a joint press briefing with Mr. Mudavadi that his campaign is underway following the formal submission of his candidacy.
“I will start working with the continent once elected, which is expected to be in February next year. While I am currently focused on the campaign, Kenya will remain a priority,” Mr. Odinga said.
He added, “I will not be very active in Kenyan politics as I shift my focus to the continental campaign. This is a transition from active Kenyan politics to continental African politics.”
Mr. Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to support Mr. Odinga.
“As a nation, we have consistently rallied behind our own on various platforms. Let us now unite in support of Raila Odinga as he represents Kenya in the race for the AUC Chairmanship, just as we supported our athletes in the Olympics,” Mr. Mudavadi urged.
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Mr. Odinga expressed his appreciation for the Kenyan government’s formal endorsement of his candidacy.
“We have submitted our application to the AU Secretariat, and the campaign is now fully underway. I am grateful for the confidence shown by the continent’s leaders and the support from my fellow Kenyans,” he said.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the African Union to fulfill the vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
Once elected, Mr. Odinga pledged to address the continent’s challenges with dedication.
Mr. Mudavadi declined to disclose the budget for the AUC campaign but confirmed financial support for the initiative.
Kenya’s previous attempt to secure the AUC chairmanship involved a budget of Sh437.7 million, overseen by then-Deputy President William Ruto. The budget exceeded the allocated amount by Sh52.1 million.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had initially set aside Sh385.7 million for the campaign of then-Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, but actual expenditure was higher, as reported to Parliament.
Ms. Mohamed’s bid ultimately failed against Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who won the AUC chairmanship.
Mr. Odinga is set to inaugurate the fifth World of Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture or Festac, in Kisumu on Monday before returning to Nairobi for his official AUC candidacy unveiling.
He will be joined by notable African leaders at the festival, including Festac patron former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman Yinka Abioye, and former first ladies Graca Machel of Mozambique and South Africa.
Festac, Africa’s oldest post-independence festival, celebrates the continent’s cultural richness through music, visual arts, dance, fashion, and sports, and was inspired by Pan-Africanists Kwame Nkrumah and Leopold Senghor.
President Ruto Invites EAC Presidents to Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission Bid Launch
