East Africa Community Unite in Support of Kenya's AU Commission Bid

By Robert Mutasi 

East African leaders, including President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni gathered at the State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to officially endorse Raila Odinga for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The event marked the launch of Kenya's campaign to get a top AU leadership position, with leaders from across the region expressing their sincere support for Odinga's candidacy.

President William Ruto, in his speech, highlighted Odinga's long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism and his ability to lead Africa through an era of reform.

 "Raila Odinga enjoys a good reputation as a passionate Pan-Africanist who has shown firm belief in Africa's potential and exemplary commitment to laying a solid foundation for Africa's transformation in our time," Ruto said.

His remarks emphasized Odinga's leadership's importance in defending Africa's unity and development.

The event showed great solidarity from the East African Community, with several heads of state and government leaders attending.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, among the prominent leaders who attended, supported the same opinion, stressing the importance of regional cooperation in supporting Odinga's request.

Other prominent leaders who attended the launch are Former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete, EAC chairman and South Sudan President Salva Kiir, Rwanda's state of Minister for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe and Burundian Prime Gervails Ndirakobuca and Former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanja. 

The presence of these leaders showed the common support of the East African region for Odinga to run for the AUC Chairmanship.

Addressing the meeting, Raila Odinga expressed his sincere gratitude for the great support from Kenya and the East African region.

 "I stand before you here as a candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. I am encouraged and humbled by the collective support from my country and the East African region," Odinga said.

He emphasized his commitment to work towards a more united and prosperous Africa, and promised to focus on important issues such as economic development, peace and security, and strengthening cooperation between African nations.

The inauguration event not only marked the beginning of Odinga's campaign but also showed the unity and strength of the East African Community in supporting one of them for the top leadership position of the continent.

As the campaign progresses, local support will be crucial in mobilizing broad African support for Odinga's bid.

With the East African Community firmly behind him, Odinga's candidacy is likely to gain traction in the months leading up to the election.

The joint endorsement of regional leaders reflects a shared vision of Africa's future and a commitment to promote greater integration and cooperation across the continent.

The election of the Chairman of the African Union Commission is expected to take place in February 2025, and Odinga's strong support from East African leaders places him as the main contender in the race for the top position.