Kenya intensifies Raila’s candidacy for AUC chair ahead of official launch in Addis

Kenya has intensified efforts to promote former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission's (AUC) chair position ahead of the official launch of his campaign, scheduled for November 8 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The co-chair of Odinga's campaign secretariat, Elkanah Odembo, announced that the launch aims to establish Odinga as a suitable candidate to lead the AUC in achieving Agenda 2063.

"We have set November 8 as the launch date for his campaigns in Addis, and the team is working on a comprehensive programme," Odembo said.

"This launch will affirm that he is the right person for the monumental task of ensuring the AUC is equipped to deliver Agenda 2063."

Odembo, a former Kenyan ambassador to the United States, is spearheading Odinga’s campaign alongside Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei.

He revealed that Odinga’s team has lined up several strategic events to bolster his candidacy ahead of the February 2025 AUC elections.

President William Ruto with Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema and AUC Chairperson Candidate Raila Odinga in Beijing, China (Photo: PCS)

As part of his campaign, Odinga will attend the COMESA summit in Bujumbura, Burundi, on October 31, and the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town on November 5, just before his official launch.

Odembo emphasised that Comesa, which consists of 21 African nations, plays a crucial role in regional integration, and securing their support is critical to Odinga's success in the upcoming poll.

Additionally, his secretariat has planned extensive outreach, with visits to at least six capitals, including Abidjan, Porto-Novo, Dakar, Abuja, Algiers, and Gaborone, over the next four weeks.

These diplomatic engagements follow President Ruto’s personal outreach to African leaders, seeking their support for Odinga’s bid.

According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Sing’oei, the president sent letters to all African heads of state, thanking those who have already backed Odinga and encouraging others to do the same.

"When we returned from New York, the president signed letters to all African leaders, presenting Odinga’s candidacy and urging their support," Sing’oei said in an interview.

Odinga’s bid was first launched in Nairobi on August 27, during an event attended by key leaders from the East African Community (EAC) who endorsed his candidacy. The launch in Addis is expected to further elevate his campaign’s visibility on the continental stage.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (right) with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Juba. (Photo: Office of South Sudanese President)

He faces competition from Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, former Mauritian Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Madagascar's former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.

However, Sing’oei expressed confidence in Odinga’s lead, stating, "We are not there yet, but we are well over 60 per cent."

In addition to bilateral discussions with African leaders, Odinga’s team is preparing for the upcoming "Mjadala Africa" debate, an AU platform that will play a significant role in the campaigns.

"We are awaiting the date from the AUC for the debate and will continue to push forward with our campaign efforts," Sing’oei added.