Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has endorsed Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid ahead of crucial elections.

Taking to his official social media accounts on Friday, February 14, 2025, Gachagua emphasized his belief stating that Odinga is the best candidate to lead the AUC position.

In addition, Gachagua says that there is no doubt about Raila’s global outlook and commitment to championing the African people adding that Africa will be in safe hands if he (Odinga)wins.

“Kenya’s finest Rt. Hon.@RailaOdinga Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best. There is no doubt about Raila’s worldview and championship for African people,” Gachagua said.

He went on to say that Africans need a leader who can bridge the gap between Africa’s Anglophone and Francophone communities, shaping a united continent for the future.

According to Gachagua, Odinga’s victory will not only validate his Pan-African spirit and vision but also will be a win for Kenya.

“As a continent, we need a @RailaOdinga character to gel the Anglophone and the Francophone selves towards the continent of the future. His win in Addis Ababa imprints his quest for the Panafrican spirit he has lived and championed. Raila Odinga’s win will be good and progressive for Africa. His victory will be a win for Kenya, our motherland,” he added.

The second deputy president’s endorsement reflects a wider national agreement backing Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC chairmanship, indicating a collective effort to champion Kenyan leadership at the continental level.

AUC chairmanship elections

The African head of state will vote on Saturday, February 15, 2025, to elect the next AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson in the elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to the African Union’s (AU) election guidelines the voting process begins with all candidates on the ballot and to win, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority and candidates may face elimination after three rounds of voting if they fail to secure the majority.

In addition, the union stated that if no candidate secures the necessary majority after three rounds, only the two candidates with the highest votes will be eligible for further voting process.

“In the election for the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and Commissioners, voting continues until one (1) of the candidates obtains the two-thirds majority.

“The voting process begins with all the candidates on the ballot. Voting is conducted three times and if the third ballot remains inconclusive without any candidate garnering the two-thirds majority, the next ballot shall be restricted to the two (2) candidates who obtained the highest number of votes and the candidate with fewer votes is withdrawn, “AU’s election guidelines read.

While explaining the voting process, the commission added that in cases where only one candidate remains but still fails to achieve the required two-thirds majority, the incumbent chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat is mandated to suspend the election.

“Where there are only two (2) candidates initially and neither candidate obtains the majority required after the third ballot, the candidate with fewer votes is withdrawn and the remaining candidate proceeds to the next round.

“If the remaining candidate fails to obtain the two-thirds majority required in that round, the Chairperson is required to suspend the election. Where there is only one (1) candidate initially and he or she fails to obtain the two-thirds majority required after the third ballot, the current Chairperson is required to suspend the election,” AU said.