Raila Explains How He’ll Navigate Between AU Role & Battling Ruto in 2027
Azimio party leader Raila Odinga is prepared to set aside his aspirations for the presidency in favor of pursuing the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
On Thursday, February 15, when addressing the media in his native language, the ex-Prime Minister clarified that should he secure the position of AU chairman, he would refrain from involving himself in domestic political matters throughout the four-year tenure.
Raila is vying to take over from the current officeholder Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose second and last term concludes this year. If elected, the opposition leader will be eligible for re-election in 2028, potentially extending his tenure as chairman until 2032.
Yet, before he can secure the leading AU position in the upcoming July election, he needs to emerge victorious in his initial attempt. Should he succeed, Raila might forego the opportunity to vie for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
“It means that I am going to work for Africa for the period that I’ll be in that office. It doesn’t mean that I will not participate in Kenyan politics forever, it is only during that period,” Raila told Citizen TV.
As per the guidelines for the AU chairmanship, the individual in this position is required to refrain from active involvement in the domestic politics of their country and simultaneously uphold a neutral position concerning political matters throughout Africa.
He is also prohibited from accepting any other public office appointment unless he steps down from his position in the AU.
Furthermore, should Raila secure the election from the 55 member states, he will maintain his voting privileges as a Kenyan citizen in the 2027 General Election; however, he will be prohibited from engaging in active political activities.
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Raila will leverage his connections throughout the continent to enhance his candidacy, particularly drawing on his experience as the AU High Representative on Infrastructure Development in Africa from 2018 to 2023.
The leader of Azimio expressed his desire for the position in a press conference following the endorsement of his candidacy by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.
“I do not doubt that my friend who is standing next to me is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him” Obasanjo stated on Thursday, February 15.
“We believe people who have held positions of head of government as Prime Minister or President will be the right people at this particular time to hold the AUC position,” he added.
Addressing the audience following the approval, Raila emphasized his willingness to fulfill the role and contribute to the betterment of the continent in that capacity.
“I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa,” adding that his candidacy was fuelled by the belief that the continent deserved better.
Raila’s statement has initiated discussions regarding the potential candidate to lead the Azimio coalition in the upcoming election.
Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka has already announced his candidacy for the presidency.
In discussing this matter, Raila emphasized that the ultimate decision on the flag bearer would rest with the delegates of the coalition.
“If we agree it’s Raila then it’s okay and if you agree I step aside, then it’s still okay, that is democracy,” he stated in Mombasa on February 13, 2024.
Raila Explains How He’ll Navigate Between AU Role & Battling Ruto in 2027