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President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni have united in rallying support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, declaring him a strong candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

Museveni emphasized Raila’s qualifications as very good, stating that he is well-suited to lead the commission and champion unity across Africa.

Together with Ruto, he said they are working to consolidate backing from other regional leaders, reinforcing Raila’s position as the preferred choice for this influential role.

Ruto also expressed confidence in Raila’s qualifications and treasury of leadership experience, stating his strong record in African affairs significantly enhances his candidacy for the AUC seat.

Ruto emphasized that Raila’s extensive credentials, which span various domains, and his proven track record as a unifying figure across Africa will be invaluable for the region.

Managing conflicts

“He will work to ensure peace in our area by effectively managing conflicts across the continent and building upon the successes achieved in East Africa. This includes promoting trade and investment, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area, thereby creating a vast market of 1.4 billion people,” he stated.

Ruto clarified that Raila is being endorsed not merely as a candidate for Kenya but as a representative for the East African Community.

“Before announcing his candidacy, we consulted with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who, as a respected elder in the region, recognized Raila’s potential. Museveni proactively engaged with other heads of state to advocate for Raila’s candidacy, confirming that he is the best choice to promote unity and progress.” he affirmed.

The two Presidents expressed optimism that Raila would secure the AUC chairperson position by February 2025, citing significant strides in his campaign and widespread support.

Raila is competing against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.

The election is scheduled to take place in February 2025 during the African Union Summit. Ruto also urged East African Community member states to cherish and uphold their cultural heritage.

“As we build on our roots, it is crucial to foster successful nations, beginning with strong families,” Ruto said.

Museveni, too, had candid support and expressed humble appeal to African leaders to embrace Raila candidacy.

“We have faith in Raila due to his extensive political and leadership experience in the Horn of Africa,” Museveni stated, urging continental leaders to support Raila in securing the African Union Commission chairmanship.

During a recent heated debate among candidates, AUC candidates, Raila articulated his broad abc clear transformative vision for the continent with great passion. Central to his agenda is the energy sector, where he aims to reduce the cost of living.

He emphasized the need for increased investment in African infrastructure to enhance connectivity and promote inter-African trade.

Raila proposed measures to unlock trade barriers by easing non-tariff restrictions and facilitating smoother cross-border movement through relaxed visa requirements.

It is recalled President Ruto has been passionate about relaxing visa-free entries with his administration relaxing visa fees to ease movements in and out of Kenya to promote tourism, movements of goods and services as well as enhance regional integration or homogeneity of the continent sharing prosperity and common cross-cultural values and heritage.

Additionally, Ruto highlighted the importance of prioritizing education and healthcare for the African populace, as well as boosting investment in regenerative agriculture to enhance food security across the continent.

In a related development, Ruto announced the gazetting of Ramogi Hill as a national heritage site, increasing the number of cultural heritage sites in Siaya County to two, which now includes the Ramogi Hill Forest Reserve and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum.

“The government is currently evaluating seven additional historical and cultural sites in Siaya for potential gazettement,” he noted.

This includes assessments of cell blocks on Oyamo Island, the office of Paramount Chief Odera Akango, and Nomia Church, all of which hold significant historical importance.

Additionally, the Owiny Sigoma Heritage Complex, Mageta Island Mau Mau Detention Camp, and Migwena Cultural Grounds are under consideration, along with Sirangombe.

Furthermore, Ruto announced plans to establish a Sh 100 million fish landing site at Wich Lum in Bondo Sub-County, aimed at supporting the local fishing community.

He recalled the vibrant celebrations at Wich Lum, which featured wrestling, boat races, and swimming, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting local culture.

“This investment will help elevate our cultural heritage to new heights,” Ruto said.

The President expressed optimism that Raila would secure the AUC chairperson position by February 2025, citing significant strides in his campaign and widespread support.

Raila is competing against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.

The election is scheduled to take place in February 2025 during the African Union Summit.

Ruto also urged East African Community member states to cherish and uphold their cultural heritage.

“As we build on our roots, it is crucial to foster successful nations, beginning with strong families,” he said.

Ruto announced the gazetting of Ramogi Hill as a national heritage site, increasing the number of cultural heritage sites in Siaya County to two, which now includes the Ramogi Hill Forest Reserve and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum.

“The government is currently evaluating seven additional historical and cultural sites in Siaya for potential gazettement,” he noted.

This includes assessments of cell blocks on Oyamo Island, the office of Paramount Chief Odera Akango, and Nomia Church, all of which hold significant historical importance.

Additionally, the Owiny Sigoma Heritage Complex, Mageta Island Mau Mau Detention Camp, and Migwena Cultural Grounds are under consideration, along with Sirangombe.

Further, Ruto announced plans to establish a Sh 100 million fish landing site at Wich Lum in Bondo Sub-County, aimed at supporting the local fishing community.

He recalled the vibrant celebrations at Wich Lum, which featured wrestling, boat races, and swimming, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting local culture.

“This investment will help elevate our cultural heritage to new heights,” he said

Together, with Ruto, they are working to consolidate backing from other regional leaders, reinforcing Raila’s position as the preferred choice for this influential role.

Governors James Orengo, Anyang Nyong’o, Ochillo Ayacko, Gladys Wanga and the cultural event coordinator Dr Mathew’s Owili and Luo Cultural legends and scholars led by Mzee ker Odungi Randa and Dr Adams Oloo graced the occasion which epitomised the ancient luo traditional values, art, graffiti and folklore with the leaders calling for the preservation of the community’s rich cultural symbols and heritage.