ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses the media after witnessing President William Ruto sign the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 into law at KICC, Nairobi on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (Photo: PCS)
Opposition leader Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson has received official backing from Ruto's government, just days after opposition lawmakers were nominated for cabinet posts.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei posted the official letters of candidature from Nairobi, which included Raila's CV and his vision statements for the continent.
As of the time of publication, The Eastleigh Voice had not established whether Raila's candidature had been officially submitted for the vetting process, but the deadline is August 6.
Odinga has been bogged down by local politics and a youthful revolt in the country, which had stalled his bid for the AUC chairperson position.
The support from Ruto’s government is significant but not entirely unexpected, as Raila has shown a keen interest in the role, which saw him reduce his criticism of the current administration.
Generation Z, which had urged him to stay out of the intense protests, has recently become enraged by the former premier.
Raila met President Ruto at the height of anti-government protests and agreed to dialogue, which was seen as an attempt to hijack the genuine demonstrations led by young, leaderless protesters who vigorously opposed Raila's candidature.
Though Raila recently claimed he could forego his ambitions if the government continued to pressure him, he has since remained quiet.
