Ruto Rallies EAC Support for Raila’s African Union Commission Bid

Mombasa,

Saturday, 7 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has called on the East African Community (EAC) to rally behind former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). 

Speaking at the official opening of the 14th Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, the President underscored Mr. Odinga’s extensive experience, dedication to pan-Africanism, and his role in fostering integration, asserting that his leadership would amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

“I call upon all EAC Partner States to rally behind his candidacy,” said President Ruto. “A united East Africa supporting his bid will not only demonstrate our collective resolve but also affirm our commitment to shaping the future of our continent.”

President Ruto expressed confidence that Mr. Odinga’s leadership at the AUC would help the EAC champion shared priorities, safeguard regional interests, and accelerate Africa’s development agenda.

This appeal for unity among EAC Member States comes as part of broader regional efforts to enhance integration and economic cooperation. 

Ruto highlighted key projects like the proposed dual carriageway linking Tanzania and Kenya’s coastal towns and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to the Democratic Republic of Congo. These initiatives, he noted, are critical to expanding infrastructure networks and cross-border trade.

“The integration of Africa will be led by the integration of East Africa,” he stated. “If the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement is going to be a reality, the engine will be in East Africa.”

As the Chair of the EAC Heads of State Summit, President Ruto emphasized his dedication to fostering deeper economic integration and shared prosperity in the region. 

He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the EAC Treaty, which prioritize collaboration, trade, investment, and improved quality of life for the region’s citizens.

“Just as a team must work in harmony to achieve victory, leaders and nations must also align our efforts to realize the full potential of the EAC,” he said.

The ongoing Inter-Parliamentary Games, which feature participation from legislators across the eight EAC Member States—including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia—provided a platform to reinforce regional unity. Events include football, netball, volleyball, basketball, and athletics.

“These games strengthen the spirit of solidarity and deepen the bonds of friendship as neighbours and partners,” said the President.

President Ruto also highlighted EAC efforts to harmonize policies and foster a competitive, inclusive regional economy. He lauded the community’s progress as Africa’s most advanced regional economic bloc and emphasized that a united East Africa is pivotal to the continent’s future.

“By leveraging the vast resources and potential of our people, we can transform East Africa into a global economic powerhouse,” he concluded.

The event was attended by a host of regional and national leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana, and various MPs.

Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Trade) and Hassan Joho (Mining), alongside Governors Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa) and Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi), also graced the occasion.

With President Ruto at the helm of the EAC’s integration drive, and his endorsement of Mr. Odinga’s candidacy, the region stands poised to strengthen its role in Africa’s economic and political transformation.