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Raila Odinga has intensified his campaign to capture the African Union chairmanship post following a visit to President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast.

In a post on X on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Raila said the meeting with the West African Head of State centred on a number of issues.

“His Excellency Alassane Ouattara @AOuattara_PRCI hosted me in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

“We discussed our shared concerns over our continent and the need to identify and prioritize transformational projects such as infrastructure, visa-free movements, and intra-African trade, which can ensure sustainable development and prosperity for all African nations,” the former Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) said.

Raila also said he asked for support from Ivory Coast for his bid to win the AUC post.

“I took the opportunity to update the president on my campaigns in West Africa and seek his support for my bid to be elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission,” he added.

West Africa tour

Raila has visited Togo, Ghana, and Senegal so far as he looks to win the West African votes ahead of the elections set for February next year.

William Ruto’s government has been at the forefront of supporting Raila’s campaign. During a tour of Kisumu on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Ruto asked the residents to pray for the former Premier to be successful in his quest to win the continental seat.

“Mimi nilisimama hapa Kondele nikasema siku moja nilisaidia Agwambo na safari hii yeye amerudisha mkono amenisaidia mimi. Mimi nawauliza, iko makosa hapo? Nikiongea na nyinyi sasa, si tulikubaliana Agwambo tunaenda kumuombea ili awe kiongozi wa Africa? Juzi alikuwa kule Ivory Coast, jana amekuwa kule Senegal, leo ako kule Nigeria akitafuta kura. Si tutamuombea jamani?” Ruto said.