Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has endorsed Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga for the African Union (AU) chairmanship.

Addressing the press on Saturday, February 17, 2024, the ruling party’s secretary-general Cleophas Malala stated that the support is patriotic and politically motivated.

Malala also underscored that the party believes that Raila can steer the continent in the right direction.

While noting that Raila measures up to Africa’s greatest son, the SG also acknowledged that Raila’s vast experience will be of immense value to Africa.

“He measures up to Africa’s greatest as one of Africa’s greatest sons. Raila was at the forefront of the greatest leaders who championed the entrenchment of the tenets of democracy and the rule of law in Kenya and Africa.

“Today, as the continent goes into deep waters seeking emancipation from perpetual dependency on external support, a man of his stature can chart our path and save the vessel of emancipation of Africa to greater heights and the desired destination,” Malala stated.

Raila declared his bid for the position on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Speaking to the press, the opposition leader noted that he decided after consulting widely among friends.

“The general Olusegun Obasanjo has said he is one of my closest friends in the continent and has intimated that should there be an interest I will be keen to serve the continent of Africa,” Raila stated.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Leader Raila Odinga also announced that he was ready to offer himself to be of service to the content whenever called upon.

“I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this African content when called upon. I believe that Africa is playing in a league that it should not play in and that it deserves better. I have served in the AU in the capacity of high representative, it gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about every African country and the comparative advantages and I believe that by walking together with the countries we can make Africa great,” the former prime minister added.