AUC Chairmanship race: Raila promises people-centred AU

There was pomp, colour and a touch of fanfare at State House, Nairobi as Kenya officially launched Raila Odinga’s continental campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson’s position.

With President William Ruto and a host of regional leaders in attendance, the event marked the beginning of Odinga’s transition from decades of leading Kenya’s opposition to vying for the top spot in the African Union.

But the event, which should have been a smooth showcase of Odinga’s aspirations, was not without its hiccups.

A three-minute video clip intended to introduce the candidate and his vision suffered a technical failure, forcing Odinga to take the stage without the anticipated build-up.

Unfazed, the veteran politician, dressed in his signature African attire, delivered a powerful speech about his dream of a united Africa.

"I dream of an Africa that borders and colonial languages no longer divide us. We don’t want Africans to be divided as Francophone, Lusophone; I want them to be Africaphone," Odinga declared.

Highlighting the continent’s struggles with slavery, colonialism, and internal conflicts, Odinga positioned himself as the "African lion" ready to work with African leaders to make the AU more people-centred and impactful.

"My plan is to work with you to make the AU more people-centred and to serve the interests of the vast, voiceless majority of Africans. The African people should feel the presence of the AU in their lives," he said.

President William Ruto described Odinga as a distinguished statesman and a true Pan-Africanist as he formally presented him as the ideal candidate for the AUC chairperson.

"He has a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa's possibilities," Ruto said.

The Kenyan president said that Odinga’s leadership would not only benefit his country but the entire continent.

The star of the event, however, was Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who brought his signature blend of humour and sharp commentary to the stage.

"A young man from Djibouti came to tell me he was their candidate. We had a chat, took some photos, and shared a cup of tea. But I told him straight—I'm going to Kenya to support Raila because he's the right man for this job," Museveni said, taking a pointed jab at Djibouti’s candidate.

His 30-minute speech was a mixture of anecdotes about people like former Mozambican president and revolutionary Samora Machel, poverty and wealth.

Despite his detours, Museveni’s endorsement of Odinga was unequivocal.

He reminisced about Odinga’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his support for Jomo Kenyatta’s vision of a unified government, expressing pleasure at seeing President Ruto and DP Rigathi Gachagua united with Odinga.

"He's not seeking a job or career advancement; he's a true leader," Museveni declared, drawing applause from the audience.

Not one to shy away from pointed observations, Museveni also remarked on internal challenges within Odinga’s political camp.

"There are some individuals in Raila's group whom I don't think know what they are doing... There is a character called Babu… I always see Babu dealing with anti-NRM groups," Museveni said, referring to Embakasi East MP Babbu Owino, who has in the past declared his support for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan added her voice to the chorus of support, publicly endorsing Odinga’s candidacy.

"The government of Tanzania endorses the candidature of Raila Amollo Odinga for chairperson of AU. We know he's a Pan-Africanist leader," she stated.

Sharing a light moment, she noted that in Tanzania, she is called "Mama," and expressed her delight at being in Kenya with "Baba," whom she referred to as her "kaka" (brother).