Raila Meets Kagame in Kigali as He Steps Up AU Campaign
Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Friday met Rwanda President Paul Kagame in Kigali as he stepped up his campaign for his AU chairmanship bid.
Raila flew to Kigali Friday evening after receiving the report of the National Dialogue Committee at his Upper Hill office, in Nairobi.
The Opposition chief said he had an insightful conversation with Kagame that delved into regional and Pan-African ideals.
“We are committed to African unity and solidarity for shared prosperity and progress,” he said on X.
The current AU Commission chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is set to leave office in March next year.
A new chair will be selected at the next AU summit scheduled for 2025.
On February 29, Raila expressed confidence in clinching the seat saying he had won endorsements from Presidents within the East African region and beyond.
While addressing residents after opening the Marani market in Kisii, Raila indicated that he had planned to head to Kigali for talks with Kagame.
On Tuesday, President William Ruto affirmed that East African Community leaders have agreed to sponsor Raila as the candidate for the post.
Addressing the preliminary opening of the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) special sittings held at Parliament chambers, Ruto said Raila’s win would be a boost for Africa.
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“As you are all aware, the chairmanship of the AU is coming up next year as the term for the current chair Moussa Faki comes to an end. It is going to be the turn for East Africa to provide the next chair,” Ruto said.
The Head of State revealed that leaders from the East African Community held consultative meetings and agreed to endorse Raila.
“We have sat down in the spirit of the East African Community and consulted as Heads of State from the East African Community together and we have agreed to sponsor one candidate as East Africa because that is the strength of our community,” Ruto added.
On Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced that the government will be actively campaigning for Raila.
It’s understood the Prime CS is leading Raila’s AU campaign caravan in his capacity as Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS having been bestowed the role by President Ruto.
While addressing the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi, Mudavadi said Kenya will be seeking the support of African countries to secure Raila’s bid.
“Kenya is determined to strengthen its position within the African Union Commission. We will be coming to you to support our candidate,” Mudavadi told delegates.
Raila Meets Kagame in Kigali as He Steps Up AU Campaign
