Raila sets date for launch of AUC chairmanship bid campaign

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader, Raila Odinga will formally launch his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid next week.

The launch, Odinga said, will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 as he seeks to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose second and last term is nearing the end. Elections for the next AUC chairperson will be held in February, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

On Wednesday, Odinga held a preparatory meeting towards the launch of his AUC campaign, at the office of Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

Odinga said going forward, he will become less active in local politics as he transitions from Kenyan to continental politics. “At the moment, I am involved in the campaigns but that does not mean that Kenya ceases to exist. I am not going to be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth, as I continue to focus my attention on the continental campaign,” stated the former Prime Minister.

“It is a transitional phase from active participation in Kenyans to moving towards African continental politics.”

Mudavadi said the launch of Odinga’s campaign will be presided over by President William Ruto. “We engaged in a productive dialogue, where I provided a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming official launch of his candidacy, to be led by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto on August 27th,” he noted.

During their discussion, Mudavadi said, he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the President and the government to supporting Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga's bid for this pivotal role.

“I also called upon the State Department for Foreign Affairs Secretariat to collaborate closely with the former Prime Minister's team, ensuring a seamless and coordinated effort as we work together towards a successful outcome,” he added.

Besides President Ruto, several Heads of State have declared support for Odinga’s candidature.

They include Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), Paula Kagame (Rwanda) and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir.