Ruto hails Raila as visionary Pan-Africanist as he endorses his AUC bid

President William Ruto on Tuesday described opposition leader Raila Odinga as a distinguished statesman and a true Pan-Africanist as he endorsed his candidature candidate for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Expressing his support and commitment to Raila's candidacy, the President cited unparalleled credentials and unwavering dedication to Africa's progress.

"I know that Raila Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the AUC. Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidature unreservedly and we commit wholeheartedly to support his candidature, vision and leadership," Ruto declared at State House, Nairobi.

Highlighting Kenya's proactive role in enhancing Africa's development, the Head of State stressed on the importance of institutional reforms within the African Union, making Raila's candidacy a natural extension of their commitment to Pan-African unity and transformation.

"Hon Raila Odinga is a celebrated statesman whose longevity in leadership has been sustained by an unrelenting devotion to democratic change as the foundation of sustainable freedom and prosperity," Ruto noted, praising Raila's contributions to Kenya's governance and sectoral reforms.

The President further described Raila as a transformative leader with a profound understanding of African and global dynamics, based on his professional capacity and extensive experience.

"He (Raila) embodies extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics, which are crucial for leading the African Union farther into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of our people," Ruto affirmed.

Visionary

Concluding his speech with confidence and admiration for Raila's leadership qualities, President Ruto presented him as a visionary Pan-African leader poised to elevate the AU's influence and impact.

President William Ruto: Kenya endorses Raila Odinga’s candidature, I present to you a visionary pan-African and a veteran mobiliser for positive change. pic.twitter.com/l4zFnZZH8M

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) August 27, 2024

"Excellencies, I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful," Ruto affirmed.

Earlier, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Raila's candidature was rooted in the belief that Africa's progress must be driven by its people for its people.

Mudavadi who is also Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, described Raila as a man who holds to the dreams of the millions of Africans who yearn for an integrated and peaceful continent.

"Raila embodies the ideals of a people-centred visionary leadership that AUC needs. He is a leader who has tirelessly championed the cause of African unity and progress and unwavering espousing the principle of thinking Africa above all," he added.

Raila is seeking to replace Moussa Faki of Chad, whose term comes to an end early next year.

He is facing competition from Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar).