Kenya’s President William Ruto will formally launch the candidacy of Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship on August 27, 2024.
This announcement was made by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during a press conference on Tuesday, where he and Odinga outlined the progress and strategic importance of the campaign.
At the press conference, held at a government office in Nairobi, Mudavadi revealed that Kenya has officially submitted Odinga’s documentation to the African Union (AU), marking a crucial step in the campaign that will culminate in the election scheduled for February 2025.
“We have now formally presented the Prime Minister’s documentation to the AU, and we thought it appropriate to convey this development to the Kenyan people,” Mudavadi stated. “This candidacy is more than just a political venture; it is a national mission.”
Odinga, who also addressed the press, shared his vision for Africa under his leadership, should he be elected as the AUC Chair. His platform focuses on several key areas, including African integration, infrastructure development, economic transformation, enhancing inter-African trade, and addressing the challenges of climate change, youth unemployment, and gender equity.
“Africa must unite or perish,” Odinga said, quoting the continent’s founding fathers. “The AU has come of age, but it still needs strengthening. My candidacy is focused on realizing the dream of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.”
The Kenyan government’s endorsement of Odinga is framed as a patriotic cause, with Mudavadi urging the nation to rally behind the former Prime Minister as they would for athletes representing Kenya on the global stage. “Let us lend our full support to Honorable Raila as he carries the Kenyan flag high in the race for the AU Chairmanship,” Mudavadi urged.
One of the most anticipated events in the lead-up to the AUC election is the “Mujadala Africa” debate, a televised event where candidates will present their vision to African citizens and engage with stakeholders. Mudavadi expressed confidence in Odinga’s readiness for the debate, citing his extensive experience and strategic engagements across Africa.
“Our candidate is undoubtedly experienced and well-prepared to participate in the live debate to engage the African people on how to propel the continent’s growth,” Mudavadi said.
Odinga’s platform includes a strong focus on youth empowerment and addressing the root causes of migration from Africa to Europe. He pointed to the tragic stories of young Africans drowning in the Mediterranean as they seek better opportunities abroad.
“Many young African boys drown in the Mediterranean, trying to escape poverty. This does not have to happen if we create a conducive environment for them on the continent,” Odinga remarked.
The campaign also highlights Africa’s need for greater energy independence, with Odinga advocating for the harnessing of the continent’s abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar, geothermal, and wind power. “Africa has an abundance of resources for renewable energy. We need to harness these to make Africa energy self-sufficient,” he stated.
