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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga met with European diplomats on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Karen and sold his bid to vie for the Africa Union Commission chairmanship (AUC).

According to a press conference released by Raila’s party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the opposition figure met with the diplomats and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues. 

Raila also used the meeting to brief them on his quest for African Union Commission chairmanship and his plans for the continent should he ascend to office.

According to the presser, Raila and the diplomats agreed on the need for a strong AU to drive potential game-changer issues like continental free trade, infrastructure development, open skies and investment in energy and internet connectivity.

Should he succeed in clinching the AUC post, Raila revealed what he will focus on.

“The former PM singled out continental integration, removal of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability and free movement of goods and people as priority areas he would focus on as AUC chair.

“The diplomats encouraged Odinga in his quest and expressed hope that he would be able to focus the continent on critical matters holding it back,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the former Member of Parliament for Lang’ata held a separate meeting with Norwegian ambassador to Kenya Gunnar Andreas Holm and Australia’s High Commissioner Jenny Da Rin at his Karen home.

Both parties are said to have reaffirmed their commitment to the historic ties and shared values that link their nations.

“They further discussed ways to further deepen bilateral and continental cooperation on local and global issues of mutual interest.

“They reviewed the existing steadfast political, security, economic, and humanitarian support for Kenya and other African countries, including the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for lasting peace in the regions,” the presser stated.

Raila also touched on his vision of foreign policy and trade affecting Africa.

“During the meetings, Odinga shared his vision for expanded cooperation on other foreign policy priorities, including a free trade regime across the continent.

“Odinga regretted that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries,” it added.

Support

Raila’s meeting with the foreign diplomats comes weeks after an Infotrak report released on Thursday, April 11, 2024, revealed that an overwhelming majority, 81%, supports his AUC bid.

Nairobi, Rift Valley and Nyanza gave the highest support at 88, 85 and 83 per cent respectively, while the North Eastern region gave the lowest support at 64 per cent.

By gender, the support base is high among females while in terms of age, the youth seem to have great support for Raila’s AUC quest.