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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has received a shot in the arm in his bid to become the next Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson after Algeria agreed to throw its weight behind his candidature.

Raila who has been keen to secure support from the Northern region received the much-needed impetus on his bid following President William Ruto’s meeting with Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

According to a statement from the Head of State on Friday, June 14, 2024, the Algerian President has vowed to rally behind Raila’s candidature.

His support is critical as it is key for Raila to consolidate the Northern region which also plays a vital role in determining who will occupy the AUC seat in the next polls.

“I have held discussion with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria, on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Apulia, Italy, who has pledged support for Kenya’s Africa Union -Commission chairmanship bid,” Ruto stated.

President Ruto noted that Algeria and Kenya share the ambition to transform the continent both in the financial architecture and representation in the African Union.

“Kenya and Algeria hold a joint position on reforms of the African Union and International Financial Architecture that seeks to create equity and inclusion,” Ruto added.

At the same time, he lauded Algeria for its continued support for the country through various donations which have shaped the country as an agricultural center.

He also appreciated Algeria’s financial support to Kenya ahead of the Haiti peacekeeping mission.

Kenya is grateful to the government of Algeria for its support of the agricultural sector, especially through the provision of fertilizer.

“We are also thankful to Algeria for her financial support for the Kenya-led UN security mission for Haiti,” Ruto wrote on his social media page.

Ruto’s continued support for Raila

Ruto committed to helping Raila secure the AUC chairmanship by pledging to set up a secretariat. Through Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, the Kenya Kwanza administration vowed to set up an elaborate secretariat made of government bureaucrats and strategists that will spearhead Raila’s bid.

Mudavadi pointed out that the secretariat will feature officials from the government and Raila’s team who will work around the clock to facilitate the opposition leader’s campaign.

“We have a visionary leader to fire up the African Union to greater levels,” Mudavadi stated.

He said Raila espouses the principles which the continent pursues in high regard including the spirit of panafricanism.

“We have no doubt that the candidate will pursue the vision,” Mudavadi said.

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