Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has drummed up support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is taking a stab at the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Speaking on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Kindiki told Navakholo residents in Kakamega County that Raila is the only option for Kenya to lead the continent and accelerate development.

While asking the citizens to rally behind Raila’s candidature, Kindiki emphasised that President William Ruto’s administration is fully committed to ensuring the former Prime Minister succeeds in his quest to rise at the helm of the continental body.

Kindiki also sought to water down internal resistance and opposition waves from a section of Kenyans by explaining that Raila’s working relationship with President Ruto had given the country much-needed political stability.

“Right now the country is very stable politically because of the working relationship between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“We are supporting Raila Odinga to take over the chairmanship of the African Union. The country is united to make sure one of our own is able to lead the continent of Africa,” Kindiki stated.

“Do you support Raila Odinga to get that job in Addis Ababa?” Kindiki asked the residents while insisting that the government is committed to making sure he succeeds in his bid to take over the instruments of power from the current AUC chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, President Ruto called on the East African Community (EAC) to jointly continue supporting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy.

Ruto said Raila’s vast experience, dedication to pan-African ideals, and commitment to fostering integration make him an excellent candidate to lead the African Union Commission.

He expressed confidence that Raila’s leadership would give the region and continent a stronger voice.

Consequently, he explained, Raila will enable the EAC to champion its shared priorities, protect its interests, and accelerate Africa’s development agenda.

“I call upon all EAC partner states to rally behind his candidacy. A united East Africa supporting his bid will not only demonstrate our collective resolve but also affirm our commitment to shaping the future of our continent,” Ruto stated as he opened the 14th Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Mombasa County.

AUC Debate

Raila will face his rivals in a public debate next Friday, December 13, 2024, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The much-anticipated debate will commence at 7:00 pm and will be conducted in French and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided to the candidates and the audience in all six working languages of the African Union (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili).

Raila, who has so far received public endorsement from several heads of state, will square it off with Richard Mahitsison Randriamandrato and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

𝐇.𝐄. 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐎𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚, 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚.

Meet the candidates vying for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Read his 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 for Africa’s transformation here.
𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡… pic.twitter.com/H4HVracqlB

— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) December 5, 2024