Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi has formally tabled Kenya’s candidature for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson for endorsement and support by the Member States of the Great Lakes Region.
Mudavadi presented Raila Odinga’s candidature during the 18th Ordinary Session of the Inter-Ministerial Committee of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Luanda, Angola on Sunday.
He described Raila as a respected Pan-Africanist, who has demonstrated his knowledge, governance and diplomatic leadership on regional and global issues.
“Allow me to inform this distinguished gathering that Kenya has presented her candidature for the position of Chairperson of the AUC at the elections to be held during the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2025,” said Mudavadi.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I request the support of the Member States of the ICGLR for Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC Chairperson,” he urged.
Credentials acknowledged
Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Member States present appreciated and acknowledged Raila’s credentials and continental reputation and took note of Kenya’s request for his support and endorsement as the only ICGLR candidate in the race.
Led by Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, they pledged to rally behind Kenya in the February elections.
Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, noted that Raila served the African Union with distinction during his term as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa and also successfully mediated political disputes in several countries.
He told the meeting that throughout his long political career, Raila has championed regional integration and fostered continental unity, development and economic transformation.
Mudavadi said Kenya is confident that Raila’s vision, expertise and dedication will enhance the African Union’s capacity to address key challenges and advance the collective aspirations for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
