The government of Kenya has reaffirmed its support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship elections between February 15-16, 2025.

In a statement on Friday, February 14, 2025, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura indicated that Raila remains a unifying figure in the country’s politics and that the government affirms its commitment to ensuring that he clinches the continental seat in Addis Abba Ethiopia.

“As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections draw closer, Kenya reaffirms its unwavering support and optimism in the candidature of The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the Chairmanship. Over the past few months. Odinga has led an intensive and strategic campaign, directly engaging over 40 African Heads of State and securing broad-based backing across the continent,” Mwaura said.

“With elections set for February 15th and 16th, Kenya’s delegation remains fully engaged and committed to ensuring Odinga’s victory. The Government of Kenya, under the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, who doubles as the AU Champion on Institutional Reforms, continues to rally support for Odinga’s bid. A Raila Odinga-led AUC would strongly complement President Ruto’s efforts in driving critical AU reforms, ensuring that the African Union becomes more effective, responsive and people-centred.”

EAC endorsements

Mwaura equally noted that Raila’s leadership had been demonstrated by his endorsement from the East African Community (EAC) countries and other pan-African allies all over the continent for AU’s top job.

“His candidacy has received full endorsement from the East African Community (EAC), friends of Kenya and pan-African allies, demonstrating confidence in his ability to steer the African Union towards greater unity, economic transformation and institutional efficiency,” he noted.

The government spokesperson went ahead to assure Kenyans that no public funds were used to ferry supporters and government officials to Addis and that the massive number of people were in the country on their own volition.

Self-catered travels

“In an extraordinary display of uzalendo, thousands of Kenyans, including members of the Kenyan diaspora in Ethiopia, have voluntarily converged in Addis Ababa to stand in solidarity with Kenya and Odinga. The government reaffirms that Kenya’s official delegation remains standard-sized, in accordance with diplomatic protocols,” Mwaura observed.

“Any other Kenyan who has travelled to Addis Ababa has done so voluntarily, at their own expense, inspired by their unwavering belief in Odinga’s leadership. This demonstrates the true Kenyan spirit of love, peace and unity, as enshrined in our national anthem.”

Raila is set to battle it out for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission with Djibouti’s foreign minister Mahmoud Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) urged the bloc’s 16-member states to vote in favour of Randriamandrato for the AUC chairperson’s seat.