University student leaders praise Ruto for supporting Raila's AUC bid
As the next generation of African leaders, they believe the African Union must establish mechanisms that actively involve university students in its work.
Despite failing to secure the African Union Commission Chairperson seat on Saturday, a group of university student leaders on Monday expressed their gratitude to President William Ruto for supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga’s bid.
The student leaders, under the Lakeside Caucus, which represents universities across Kenya and is led by the University of Nairobi Students’ Secretary General Amesh Saxena and the Secretary General of Kenyatta University, Zadock Nyakwaka, extended their appreciation to President Ruto for his unwavering support for Raila’s candidacy.
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"Once Baba threw his hat in the ring, President Ruto mobilised government structures, starting with his own efforts and those of his office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security agencies, the Kenyan intelligence community, and Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad, all of which worked remarkably well, leading to victory in the first four rounds," said Amesh.
According to Amesh, Kenyans should take pride in the fact that their country has made an indelible mark on the African Union and will continue to build on this significant achievement.
"President Ruto’s efforts to traverse the continent, showcasing Kenya’s potential and the leadership that Raila embodies, were commendable," Amesh added.
The student leaders noted that, as budding scholars and future leaders, they have closely followed the issues raised and debated by various nations and candidates. They are fully aware that multiple, complex external factors influenced the outcome of the AUC election and that it was not solely dependent on Kenya’s exemplary efforts.
As the next generation of African leaders, they believe the African Union must establish mechanisms that actively involve university students in its work. In their view, this would not only cultivate Pan-Africanism at the grassroots level but also empower young Africans to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.
"We call on the African Union to establish formal mechanisms that enable university students to shadow AU officials and participate in its programmes. Such initiatives will provide students with firsthand experience in continental governance and foster a deeper understanding of Pan-African ideals," said Nyakwaka.
University Student Leadership, Lake Side Caucus that comprises student leaders from universities across the country, hailing from the Lake Region have thanked President William Ruto for supporting Raila Odinga's AUC seat bid dispite his loss on Saturday. (Barack Oduor)
They also urged the African Union to spearhead the creation of Pan-African forums across universities in Africa. "These forums should serve as platforms for intellectual exchange, cultural dialogue, and the preservation of Africa’s rich history," they said.
"Specifically, we propose the creation of digital repositories that document the lives and contributions of African greats, such as the founders of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Nelson Mandela, and contemporary leaders like Raila Odinga," Nyakwaka noted.
The Lakeside Caucus of student leaders intends to seek an audience with President Ruto, Raila, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to seek their guidance and explore ways in which the proposed reforms can be adopted, refined, and escalated through diplomatic channels to the corridors of African Union power for implementation.
"We believe that, with the support of our national leadership, these initiatives can gain the necessary momentum to become a reality. Together, we can ensure that the voices of young Africans are heard and that our continent’s future is shaped by the ideals of unity, democracy, and progress," they said.
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