Ruto: Why I’m Rooting for Raila in AU Job Bid
On Sunday, President William Ruto clarified that appointing Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition, as the Chairman of the African Union is a strategic move aimed at facilitating the establishment of a continent-wide free trade zone.
He elucidated that by embracing free trade policies, individual nations and their populations will start to see enhancements in their economies, which are presently facing challenges.
He mentioned that Kenya has been at the forefront of advocating for a prosperous East African Community (EAC) and the entirety of Africa.
“With unity, there is blessing. For instance, we want one of us (Mr Odinga) to get the AUC position. Let us support that one Kenyan to get that position,” said Mr Ruto.
He addressed attendees during an interdenominational prayer gathering and gratitude event for Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua in Enoosaen, located in Trans Mara, Narok County, on Sunday.
“Currently we are talking about EAC because we want to be united, already we have the Africa Intercontinental Free Trade Area.
“How then do you want to distract us from EAC and Africa to come and talk about clans? That is nonsense!” retorted Dr Ruto.
He was addressing the situation amidst occasional conflicts along the border involving two rival clans in the region.
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Dr. Ruto asserted that facilitating trade between Kenya and other African nations represents the most forward-thinking agenda. He argued that individuals promoting tribalism and clan-based politics could potentially incite conflicts, as seen in the case of Trans Mara.
“Someone with the mindset of this and that tribe is a very dangerous person. Clan, tribe, and regional matters cannot allow us to move forward as a nation. Let us live as one people,” he stressed.
President Ruto acknowledged that the available opportunities in Kenya are insufficient, which is why his administration is pursuing bilateral labor agreements with other nations to export labor and address the issue of unemployment.
“Apart from the digital jobs, we are finalizing bilateral labor agreements to employ 1 billion youth abroad. I made a commitment to create job opportunities for those out of universities and, college and we have a plan,” Dr Ruto stated.
Last week, Musalia Mudavadi, the cabinet secretary for foreign affairs, clarified that the gender obstacle hindering Mr. Odinga’s aspirations for the AUC had been removed.
President Ruto has taken a leading role in persuading Heads of State from the East African Community to back the candidacy of Mr. Odinga, who has been a longstanding political rival.
Ruto: Why I’m Rooting for Raila in AU Job Bid