Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga landed in Beijing, China, in the company of President William Ruto.
The former Prime Minister is set to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, where he is expected to pitch for his candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.
Raila was seen in the photos shared by President Ruto on Monday, September 2, 2024, via his official X account, upon his arrival in China.
The forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be held from Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to Friday, September 6, 2024.
The forum, which will be attended by several African Presidents, will provide an opportunity for Raila to argue his case before the heads of state.
Ruto on China forum
President Ruto in a statement shared upon his arrival in China stated that the forum presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
“Arrived in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. The meeting presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China. Over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping our infrastructure. We look forward to leveraging these ties to accelerate our transformation,” Ruto stated.
Arrived in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. The meeting presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 2, 2024
Over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping our infrastructure.… pic.twitter.com/e7yfbsgvC1
Raila’s AUC candidacy
President Ruto on Tuesday, August 26, hosted East Africa Community heads of state and other top officials from the region at State House, Nairobi, to launch Raila’s AUC bid.
Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) and Silva Kiir (South Sudan) attended the event.
During the launch, Raila expressed gratitude for the support from Kenyan and Eastern African leaders.
Raila is expected to hit the ground running in the coming days with a whirlwind of trips across African capitals to engage with presidents and seek their support for the top continental job.
Raila faces competition from other candidates, including Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Anil Gayan, and Richard James, in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson elections set for February 2025.
To win, a candidate needs to secure at least two-thirds of the votes or approximately 36 out of 54.
