Ruto: 3 Reasons We Want Raila at AU Commission
President William Ruto has provided multiple justifications for his support of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Addressing the audience on Friday following the receipt of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, Ruto asserted that his candidacy is supported by East African Community leaders due to his Kenyan nationality.
He continued by expressing his belief that Raila possesses the capability and resources necessary to manage the operations of the AU Commission office.
Ruto stated that another factor is that the East African Community (EAC) has reached a consensus to align in support of having Raila lead the African Union Commission (AUC).
“I know my friend the former vice president has said that indeed we have agreed as leaders from the East African Community because it is the turn of the East African side of our continent to provide the leadership for AU,” the President said.
“I have consulted with the leaders of our region and we have agreed to support the candidature of Raila Odinga and it is because, number one, he is Kenyan. Two, we believe he has the stature and the wherewithal to handle the affairs of that office, and three, as East Africans we have agreed that we move together in that direction.”
Ruto additionally highlighted that Kenya lacks adequate representation in numerous international positions.
He mentioned that although the country mounted a strong campaign during the previous AU Commission election, it fell short of securing the seat. However, he sees the upcoming opportunity as another chance to achieve that goal.
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“We all remember we pushed the candidature of Amina Mohamed last time, we did very well, she won the first round but didn’t win the final round. It is another opportunity for us as a country to present a candidate from Kenya for the position of AU,” he said.
“We do not have as many Kenyans in international positions as we should.”
The leader emphasized that the decision should not be interpreted as politically motivated, emphasizing that having Raila at the AU is in the best interest of the nation.
He stressed the importance of Kenyans coming together as a unified entity whenever national issues arise, emphasizing the need for collective action.
“This is not about political sides, this is about Kenya and we must always remember that there is politics and we have a nation and when there are issues that concern Kenya as a nation, we must close ranks as communities, as parties, as sides so that we can all move together,” Ruto said.
The tenure of the current Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki from Chad, will conclude next year. The election to select the new chairperson is scheduled for February 2025.
In February, when declaring his intention to run, Raila stated that he was prepared to serve the continent if he received the opportunity to do so.
Ruto: 3 Reasons We Want Raila at AU Commission