Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has disclosed a cooperation agreement between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga regarding the latter’s bid for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Speaking on Friday, February 7, 2025, during the opening of Ojola Huduma Centre, Kisumu West Constituency, Kisumu County, Kindiki stated that the two leaders, despite their past political differences, have decided to put Kenya’s interests first in rallying support for Raila’s candidacy.

He noted that their longstanding relationship, dating back to their time in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), played a role in their decision to unite for the AUC bid.

“Kiongozi wetu mheshimiwa Raila wamekubaliana ya kwamba, kwa sababu ni marafiki wa siku mingi hata zamani wote pamoja walikuwa ODM. Sasa wamesema kwa sababu uchaguzi ulipita, kuna kazi kubwa ya kiongozi wa bara la Afrika kule Addis Ababa. Na Rais Ruto na Raila wamesikizana ya kwamba nchi ya Kenya itamuunga mkono kwa dhati ili kiongozi wetu Raila Odinga akuwe kiongozi wa bara la Africa kule Addis Ababa,” Kindiki said.

He emphasized that President Ruto has taken an active role in mobilizing support for Raila.

According to Kindiki, Ruto will not only be the first to vote for Odinga but will also act as his chief agent in gathering support from other African leaders.

“Sasa the biggest campaigner wa kutafutia Raila hiyo kazi ni William Ruto. The first voter yule atampigia kura ni Ruto. Ule ata mobilize the other voters na chief agent wa Raila ni William Ruto,” Kindiki added.

Loosely translated: “Right now, the biggest campaigner for Raila’s position is William Ruto. The first voter for him will be Ruto, and he will mobilize the other voters as Raila’s chief agent,” Kindiki said.

The deputy president expressed confidence in Raila’s chances, highlighting his experience and vision for the continent.

“We are very confident that our former prime minister Raila Odinga is going to be the next chairperson of the African Union Commission. He is a qualified Kenyan, he deserves it, and he has the ideology that will take this continent to the next level,” he said.

Most qualified contender

Kindiki’s statement follows remarks from Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who recently expressed his support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC chairmanship, declaring him the most qualified contender for the position.

In an interview on a local TV station on February 3, 2025, Wandayi highlighted Raila’s extensive leadership experience as a key factor in his suitability for the AUC chairmanship.

He emphasized that Odinga’s dedication to pan-African ideals reflects the essential qualities required for such a position.

“I would really love to see Raila Odinga, a person under whose feet I hone my political skills, clinch the position of AUC not just because he is my mentor but because he has all the qualifications to occupy that position. There is no more deserving African than Raila Odinga to occupy that position,” Wandayi stated.

The cabinet secretary also noted the national prestige that Kenya would gain if Raila were to secure the seat.

“It will also be a great honour to Kenya to have one of its iconic sons ascend to such a high position. It would bring a great honour to this country, and it would help us to leverage our engagement on the African and global stage,” Wandayi added.