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Opposition leader pitches camp at EAC ministers meet in Zanzibar with PCS Musalia Mudavadi in tow

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stepped up his bid for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship by meeting South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the East African Community (EAC) ministers. Raila met President Kiir on Thursday last week in Juba where he underscored the commitment of the South Sudan leader in his AUC campaign ahead of the February 2025 polls. Raila said the South Sudan President also promised to rally the entire East African Community (EAC) to support his bid.

“Had a very productive meeting in Juba with the President of South Sudan. Thank you, Salva Kiir Mayardit, for hosting me. Your support and commitment to rallying the entire EAC block behind my AUC Chair candidacy are greatly appreciated,” said Raila on his X account.

Kiir is the current chairman of the EAC Heads of State Summit. The Summit gives strategic direction towards the realisation of the goals and objectives of the Community.

Yesterday morning, Raila took his campaign to the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar in the company of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Campaign team Raila had picked former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, former Buffalow Law scholar Prof Makau Mutua, former Nyeri Deputy Governor Ambassador Caroline Karugu, Ambassador Anthony Okara and Ambassador Mahboub Maalim to work for him to clinch the seat in the February 2025 poll.

Already, Raila has secured endorsement from East African Heads of State including Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Kiir.

Mudavadi who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary led the Kenyan delegation on the second day of the EAC ministerial meeting in Kiwengwa, Zanzibar, where he will engage with East Africa Community ministers on various matters of regional interest.

“It is imperative for us as a region to em[1]brace dialogue and realign our priorities to reflect innovative approaches that meet the expectations of our growing youthful population,” said Mudavadi.

He satted: “As we deepen our regional integration and cooperation in key areas such as economic development, trade, investment, and security, we must ensure that the aspirations of our youth are at the forefront of our efforts.” Mudavadi charged that the constructive dialogues aim to fortify bonds among East African nations and enhance the AU’s capacity to effectively address regional and global challenges.

Flanked by Omollo Photos released by Mudavadi’s media team showed Raila arriving at one of the meetings while flanked by Interior and National Co-ordination Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, former Postal Corporation of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Dan Ameyo and the Azimio leader’s daughter Rosemary. Raila’s visit aligns with Kenya’s endorsement of his candidacy for the continental position.

His deliberations with EAC ministers will centre on enhancing regional cooperation and advancing the AU’s agenda for continental integration and development. Kenya’s steadfast support underscores his leadership credentials and commitment to fostering unity across Africa. Raila’s presence in Zanzibar not only emphasizes his role as a unifying force within the East African region but also underscores his strategic vision for pro[1]moting economic collaboration and political stability

Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) shakes hands with South Sudan President Salva Kiir when the two met in Juba on July 4. COURTESY