President William Ruto has affirmed that East African heads of state have reached a consensus to endorse a single candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission during the opening session of the third East African Legislative Assembly meeting at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Ruto emphasized that this collective decision underscores the cohesion and potency of the East African Community (EAC), demonstrating the region’s capacity for unified action and consultation among member states.
As the term of the current AU chair, Moussa Faki, draws to a close next year, Ruto highlighted that it is East Africa’s turn to nominate a candidate for the position.
He revealed that after extensive consultations among the heads of state within the EAC, they have agreed to sponsor a unified candidate from the region, reflecting the solidarity and collaborative leadership within the community.
Kenya has put forward Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio movement, as its candidate for the AU Commission chairmanship. The Kenyan government, under the Kenya Kwanza administration, is mobilizing efforts to support Odinga’s candidacy on the continental stage.
Odinga, who declared his intention for the position on February 15, has garnered widespread backing from various political factions within Kenya and the endorsement of at least seven heads of state from the Eastern Africa region.
Expressing his readiness to undertake the role, Odinga acknowledged the support he has received and affirmed his commitment to serving if elected.
He disclosed ongoing consultations with stakeholders, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has pledged his support and assistance in garnering further backing for Odinga’s candidacy.
Moussa Faki, the incumbent AU Commission chair, is set to conclude his tenure in January 2025 after serving two consecutive four-year terms. Odinga’s candidacy has also received endorsement from AU Special Envoy and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, further bolstering his campaign for the AU Commission chairmanship.
