Why AUC Quest is a Win or Perish for Kenya
The Kenyan government is meticulously preparing for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race, as stated by Dr. Korir Sing’oei, head of Mr. Raila Odinga’s campaign secretariat.
Dr. Sing’oei, who, alongside former U.S. Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, will lead the campaign, emphasized their commitment to securing the chairmanship for Mr. Odinga.
He pointed out that failing to win the position could leave Kenya excluded from the role for over 30 years due to the rotational principle.
“The stakes are high; if we don’t succeed, it will be 30 years before Kenya gets another shot at the chair because of the rotational system,” Dr. Sing’oei explained.
The African Union Executive Council meeting in March approved the rotation recommendations by its Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), which allows the Eastern region to nominate candidates for chairperson and the Northern Africa region to nominate for Deputy Chairperson.
Dr. Sing’oei cautioned that if Kenya loses the February 2025 election, it might not be feasible for other East African Community (EAC) states to nominate a Kenyan candidate shortly.
“Even if another opportunity arises for East Africa, it’s unlikely Kenya will support a candidate from the region if it loses this time,” he noted.
President William Ruto is set to advocate for Mr. Odinga’s candidacy at the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing from September 4 to 6.
On Tuesday, President Ruto announced Mr. Odinga’s candidacy at a ceremony attended by EAC Heads of State, including Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, along with notable figures like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) and Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania).
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Mr. Odinga is expected to launch his campaign next month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU is headquartered.
Kenya plans to leverage its High Commissioners, ambassadors, diplomats, and delegation heads in a comprehensive campaign across the continent.
On Tuesday, the Kenyan government showcased its influence by rallying support from EAC states during Mr. Odinga’s formal candidacy announcement at State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of collective action for the benefit of regional and continental citizens.
“Our region, home to over 500 million people, sees this as our turn to lead based on the principle of inter-regional rotation,” President Ruto said.
He expressed confidence in the region’s leadership in addressing the complex challenges of the Pan-African context and highlighted Mr. Odinga’s qualities as a visionary Pan-African leader.
Describing Mr. Odinga as a bold, wise leader and veteran mobilizer for change, President Ruto expressed confidence in his ability to represent Africa with pride and power.
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Dr. Ruto praised Mr. Odinga as a long-standing statesman committed to democratic reform, noting his substantial contributions to national and regional governance.
“Kenya has gained from the progress brought about by leaders like Hon Odinga, whose transformative leadership and experience have shaped both national and regional development,” Dr. Ruto stated.
Mr. Odinga promised to advocate for visa-free intra-Africa travel and the removal of trade barriers, outlining his vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous continent.
“As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will lead participatory efforts to realize the priorities outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063,” he declared.
“This is Africa’s century… We must harness our resources and integrate the energy of our youth with the wisdom of our leaders,” he added.
He concluded by urging support for his vision, emphasizing the need for 34 votes in the first round and calling on East Africans to unite for the campaign in February 2025.
Why AUC Quest is a Win or Perish for Kenya
