AUC Elections: Leaders Who Accompanied Ruto, Raila To Ethiopia [LIST]

Notable leaders across the political divide as well as Kenyan government officials have accompanied both Raila and President William Ruto to Ethiopia in a show of support and patriotism.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 15, 2025 - 13:43 Updated: Feb 15, 2025 - 13:50
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AUC Elections: Leaders Who Accompanied Ruto, Raila To Ethiopia [LIST]
President William Ruto and Raila Odinga during the launch of Raila's campaign for the AUC seat on August 27, 2024. /PCS

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is entering arguably the most important weekend of his illustrious political and diplomatic career, pitching camp in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as the elections of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson are set to get underway officially.

The contest to succeed Moussa Faki features three interested contenders among them Kenya's Raila Odinga, Djibouti's Mohamoud Youssouf, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

With all eyes on Africa this weekend, notable leaders across the political divide as well as Kenyan government officials have accompanied both Raila and President William Ruto to Ethiopia in a show of support and patriotism.

As of Friday, February 14, a multitude of Senators and Governors as well as Members of Parliament (MPs) showed up in Addis to join Raila, a matter which raised mixed reactions among Kenyans with questions raised on the source of funds financing these trips.

Kenyan delegation that joined Raila Odinga in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as of February 14, 2025. /GLADYS WANGA

According to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, nearly 40 MPs travelled at their own expense. In contrast, only four MPs received official funding from the August House to attend the event in Ethiopia as part of their parliamentary committee roles.

Governors who made the trip to Addis included Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu) and Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir (Mombasa). Nyong’o and Wanga travelled in their capacities as interim party leader and national chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), respectively.

Prominent leaders, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), Dagoretti MP Beatrice Elachi, and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, have all travelled to Ethiopia.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, and Nyando MP Jared Okello have also been spotted in Addis Ababa, showing their support for Raila. Other MPs present include Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, and Makadara MP George Aladwa.

Additionally, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, and Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were were also among the lawmakers observed in Addis.

Prominent senators spotted in Ethiopia included Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyoit, Godfrey Osotsi, and nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, who was seen alongside other elected leaders who travelled for the event.

Key government officials, including National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, have reportedly been spotted in Ethiopia’s capital. Haji’s presence has sparked curiosity, with many questioning the purpose of his visit. However, initial reports suggest that his trip could be linked to anticipated strategic security discussions taking place on the sidelines.

Mudavadi leads the high-level delegation, which also includes Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei. Other notable figures in Addis Ababa include senior economic advisor Moses Kuria and former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria. ODM Youth Wing member Kasmuel McOure was also in attendance.

A round-trip ticket on national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) costs Ksh175,000, while accommodations at five-star hotels in the capital start at Ksh30,000 per night.

Step-by-Step Process Of AUC Elections

Voting begins with the election of the AUC chairperson, followed by the deputy chairperson and then commissioners who are elected by the Executive Council. To win the chairpersonship, a candidate must gain support from at least 33 of the 48 member states participating in the vote.

If no candidate secures the required majority in the first round, the election can extend to up to three rounds. In the first round, all candidates are included on the ballot, and voting is conducted through a secret ballot.

If no one reaches the 33-vote threshold, the election moves to the second round, where only the top two candidates compete. If the majority is still not achieved by the third round, the candidate with fewer votes is expected to withdraw. The remaining candidate must then secure the required majority; otherwise, the election will be suspended.

If only one candidate remains after three rounds but fails to attain the necessary two-thirds majority, the election will be halted, and the deputy chairperson will temporarily take over until a new election is held.

If the deputy chairperson election is deadlocked, the most senior commissioner will assume the role until a fresh vote is conducted. In the 2017 election, for example, Kenya’s Amina Mohamed and Moussa Faki contested for the position. Faki ultimately won after seven rounds, securing 38 votes. 

An African Union Commission Chairperson is elected every four years, a term that is renewable once. 

Collage of former Madagascar Foreign Affairs Minister Richard J Randriamandrato, former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti. /VIRAL TEA KE

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