Kenya’s Opposition Leader Raila Odinga in High Velocity on his African Union Chairmanship met Rwanda President Paul Kagame in Kigali

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

Raila Odinga
Photo Credit: csis.org

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS (NABN) Freetown, Sierra Leone- “We are committed to African unity and solidarity for shared prosperity and progress,” Raila Odinga noted on X.

The current AU Commission chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat – the present AU Commission is set to relinquish office. Where in, a new chair will be selected at the next AU summit slated for 2025.

On February 29, Raila expressed self-aplomb in having the seat expressing he had won endorsements from Presidents within the East African region and beyond.

While addressing residents after opening Marani market in Kisii, Raila indicated that he had planned to head to Kigali for talks with Kagame.

On past Tuesday, President William Ruto of Kenya asserted that, East African Community leaders have affirmed 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.

“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 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 stated that, the Administration of Kenya will be vigorously campaigning for Raila.

It’s believed that 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 nations in order 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.

For New Africa Business News (NABN) Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent