As the African Union Chairmanship (AUC) elections come close, Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, hosted a special luncheon for the Kenyan delegation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In photos shared by the Homa Bay County Governor, Gladys Wanga, Raila is seen in a jovial mood at a table that also had Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff, Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed, Kericho County Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, and other top delegates.

“A luncheon for the Kenyan delegation with Baba ahead of tomorrow’s crucial penultimate election for the AUC Chairpersonship. We remain hopeful and keep our fingers crossed for victory. Go Baba, go!” Wanga’s post on Facebook on Friday, February 14, 2025, read.

Endorsements

As Raila eyes the AUC post, he has received a number of endorsements from various groups and politicians in the country.

“Raila knows what politically, economically, and socially ails the African continent. He can unite African people without discrimination and initiate the building of sustainable economic infrastructures.

“Raila can initiate the building of industrial complexes and a complex network of roads connecting all countries in Africa. He is a great asset to Africa!

“We, the Mau Mau War Veterans Association, unreservedly support the election of Raila Amolo Odinga to the chairmanship of the AU Commission. We appeal to all African heads of government to elect Raila for the prosperity of Africa,” the statement by the veterans said.

Even the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, was not left behind.

“Kenya’s finest Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best. There is no doubt about Raila’s worldview and championship for African people.

As a continent, we need a @RailaOdinga character to gel the Anglophone and the Francophone selves towards the continent of the future. His win in Addis Ababa imprints his quest for the Pan-African spirit he has lived and championed. Raila Odinga’s win will be good and progressive for Africa. His victory will be a win for Kenya, our motherland,” Gachagua said.

Raila will face off with Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti.