Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has joined other legislators in drumming up support for Raila Odinga’s African Union Chairmanship (AUC) bid.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Friday, November 8, 2024, Barasa called on African presidents to support Raila for the position.
He expressed that the former prime minister has extensive experience in public service, a qualification that makes him suitable for the position.
The lawmaker also asserted that Raila’s commitment to enhance democratic governance and foster regional cooperation uniquely qualifies him to advance AUC’s mission of achieving a prosperous continent.
“I urge all African heads of state to endorse Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) #BornInKenyaForAfrica.
“His extensive experience in public service, along with his commitment to enhancing democratic governance and fostering regional cooperation, uniquely qualifies him to advance the AUC’s mission of achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent,” he said.
While stressing that Raila has proven track record of positive leadership, the outspoken lawmaker further stated that the former premier is a formidable candidate who can effectively navigate the complexities of pan-African initiatives and policies.
“His track record positions him as a formidable candidate who can effectively navigate the complexities of pan-African initiatives and policies.”
Raila is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is expected to host a series of events as he formally unveils himself to the continent as Kenya’s candidate for the AUC position.
He will also give a keynote address at the Grand Campaign Reception which will be held at the AU Multipurpose Hall this evening.
His vision launch comes months after Ruto unveiled him as the country’s sole candidate for the AUC chairperson’s job.
“On Friday, November 8, 2024, the campaign secretariat of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will host a series of events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to formally unveil him to the continent as the candidate for the Republic of Kenya for chairperson of the African Union Commission,” a statement from Raila’s secretariat reads in part.
“The Addis event is a follow-up to the August 27, 2024, official reception of the candidature of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in Nairobi, and is meant to provide a platform for the candidate to engage with core players, formations and partners of the AU. The candidate will use the forum to outline his Pan-African vision and prioritise in line with AU Agenda 2063.”
