Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has campaigned for Raila Odinga’s bid to clinch the African Union Commission’s (AUC) chairmanship after meeting Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko.
Kindiki has been in the South African nation since he attended the inauguration of the country’s new president, Boko, on Friday, November 8, 2024.
Kindiki had a chance to talk to Botswana’s new Head of State, and he said he sold Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC post.
Various other aspects, including trade, tourism, regional peace, and security, were discussed, the DP revealed.
“On behalf of President William Ruto, held bilateral talks with President Duma Gideon Boko in Gaborone, Botswana, that focused on cooperation in the areas of climate change, tourism, trade in coffee and tea, beef farming, development of horticulture and floriculture, mining, cooperative management, and regional peace, security, and stability.
“Also, presented to President Duma Boko Kenya’s request to support the candidature of Hon. Raila Odinga to chair the African Union Commission (AUC),” Kindiki said in a post on his X handle on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Raila, together with the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pushing for his AUC’s bid.
Collaboration
Meanwhile, the new DP explained how Botswana and Kenya have collaborated in various fields, a partnership that he says has lasted over decades.
“Kenya considers Botswana an ally in continental economic development, peace and security, tourism education, health, and renewable energy. The two countries have shared experiences in politics, democracy, development, and trade that date back to the independence struggle,” he stated.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary also acknowledged how Kenyan professionals have contributed to the growth of Botswana.
“Currently, there are over 1,200 Kenyan citizens residing and working in Botswana, and the Government of Kenya appreciates the cordial treatment accorded to our professionals who have over time contributed to the setting up of governance and education structures in Botswana,” he concluded.
