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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday exuded confidence in winning the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, stating that he was ready to face any challenger.

Raila said if elected, his leadership would ensure that the Africans are free from the exploitation of their minerals and wealth by other countries, thereby bringing change to the continent.

He compared himself to an African lion brave enough to face any opposition.

“Africa is endowed with a lot of resources, which other countries take advantage of by buying at low prices to produce various machines and medicine then sell back to us at high costs. This is one of the issues I want to tackle once and for all so that our people can manufacture essential goods on their own with their own resources,” said Raila.

Odinga was speaking at Ligisa Secondary School in Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County where he presided over the thanksgiving ceremony for the new ODM National chairperson Gladys Wanga. Raila was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries for Mining Ali Hassan Joho and his Finance counterpart John Mbadi, special economic advisor to the President, Moses Kuria and former Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Aisha Jumwa.

The event also had a host governor including Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, who is also the acting ODM Chairman, Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) James Orengo (Siaya), Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdullswamad Sherrif (Mombasa), their Garissa counterpart Nathif Jama Adam, Nairobi’s Johnson Sakaja, Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and Paul Otuoma of Busia. Gladys Wanga is also the Governor of Homa Bay.

Senators present included Oburu Odinga (Siaya), Chief whip in the Senate Ledama ole Kina, Eddy Okech (Migori) Geoffrey Osotsi (Vihiga), Julius Mwaruma (Taita Taveta) and Beatrice Ogolla (Nominated). National Assembly members present were Minority Leader in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed and Millie Odhiambo (Minority Chief Whip) Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Opondo Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Babu Owino (Embakasi) among other dignitaries were also present.

Unfairly treated

On his side, Moses Kuria said that Africa would be one of the luckiest continents to be served by Raila and prayed that he get elected.

“Raila is a dedicated Pan Africanism and despite not being treated fairly in Kenya, he has bent backwards and put the country first, we are really indebted to him,” he said.

Three days ago, Raila unveiled his candidature for the AUC Chairperson in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A number of leaders including President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary are already spearheading Raila’s campaigns.

 “As a continent, we must be able to face other people who have been taking advantage of us without any fear, shyness, or sympathy and this is the reason why I am going for the seat of a strong African lion,” said Raila.

The AUC Chairperson’s position has attracted four candidates and they include Raila (Kenya), Mohamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti Richard Randrianmandrato (Madagascar) and Anil Gyan (Mauritius) who are fighting to replace the current chairperson Moussa Faki.