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Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition has backed Raila Odinga‘s bid to clinch the African Union Commission’s (AUC) chair.

In a statement released on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Azimio says they are confident in Raila’s leadership given what he has been championing in the country before.

“As a coalition, we believe that the Right Honorable Odinga’s leadership and vision will greatly contribute to the future of the African Union and the broader goals of peace, stability, and prosperity across Africa.

“Indeed, we are donating to Africa and the world our best and most renowned leader. Mr. Odinga’s journey as a statesman has always been marked by his relentless pursuit of justice, democracy, and the welfare of the people,” the statement said.

Raila, the Azimio presidential candidate in the 2022 general elections, is eyeing the continental position for the first time, and his political allies during the previous electoral contest believe in him.

“His involvement in the AUC campaign aligns with these values and will allow him to champion the interests of Kenya and the African continent on a global stage.

“We are confident of his success at the continental stage as he embodies these qualities and stands ready to lead the African Union Commission towards a brighter future for the continent,” Azimio continued to say.

Carrying the mantle

As Raila looks beyond the country’s borders, and having declared that he will not engage in the local politics, Azimio has vowed to take the fighting mantle from him.

“While our leader embarks on this new chapter, the Azimio Coalition remains steadfast with a firm commitment and shared objectives of addressing the issues of concern to the people.

“We continue to advance the people’s agenda for the socio-economic and political transformation and always build on the foundations laid by our leader,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto officially launched Raila’s bid on Wednesday. A secretariat to help in the course has also been formed.

“Kenya endorses Raila Odinga’s candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership. Hon. Raila Odinga is a celebrated statesman whose longevity in leadership has been sustained by an unrelenting devotion to democratic change as the foundation of sustainable freedom and prosperity,” Ruto said.