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Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has lauded Raila Odinga’s performance during the Mjadala Afrika debate that occurred on Friday, December 13, 2024.

In a statement shared via his official X platform, Cherargei noted that the criticism of Raila’s candidature has died following his exemplary performance at the televised African Union Chairmanship (AUC) debate.

He hailed the former prime minister saying he has demonstrated unmatched sharpness, wisdom, maturity and understanding of Africa and global issues.

The vocal senator also asserted that Raila enjoys the support of more than 40 heads of state in Africa.

“The noise on X platform has significantly gone down after Raila’s exemplary performance yesterday at the African Union chairmanship debate. He demonstrated unmatched sharpness, wisdom, maturity and understanding of Africa & global issues,” he said.

“When Baba wins AUC seat I don’t know where will the doomsayers and naysayers hide. More than 40 heads of state support Odinga’s candidature.”

During the debate, Raila made key pledges to transform Africa if he is elected as the AUC chairperson.

Among the proposals he highlighted is the plan to secure two permanent seats for Africa at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

“This is long overdue. The UN was formed at a time when most African countries were colonies, and that’s why it doesn’t deal with the realities of today,” Raila stated.

“We’re going to insist Africa gets two permanent seats in the Security Council. We cannot be excluded when Europe has three seats. Permanent representation with veto powers is a must,” he added.

The former prime minister also criticized the international financial structure which he says disadvantages the continent through high-interest loans compared to other continents of similar status.

“The international financing structure has worked against Africa because countries borrow at high interest rates compared to other nations,” he said.

“Africa is the richest in terms of resources, but it’s also the poorest in terms of living conditions.”

Other agendas highlighted in his manifesto include, enhancing intra-african trade, realizing the vision of Africa’s founding fathers, and Africa’s developmental challenges among others.