Details: Raila's Nephew Becomes Global Chair Of His AU Lobby Group

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga's nephew, Jaoko Oburu, is the chairperson of the Global Chair of Friends of Baba Africa (FOBA). FOBA is an international lobby group committed to drumming up support for the opposition leader as he mobilizes as much support as possible on the road to becoming the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

In a statement on Monday, March 11, Jaoko explained that FOBA was working day and night to ensure that Raila successfully clinches the lucrative role in February 2025, which will see him be stationed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"Dear fellow Africans, I'm excited to share the vision of Friends of Baba Africa (FOBA), an international lobby group committed to a significant cause.

"Our objective is to ensure that Raila Amolo Odinga, fondly known as Baba, assumes the esteemed position of AU Commission Chair come February next year," Jaoko wrote in part.

Raila Odinga with his nephew, Jaoko Oburu Odinga. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

FOBA's mission, according to Jaoko, is broad-reaching, focusing on creating a robust continental network, which aspires to have representation from every African country, establishing the groundwork for Raila's visits to each nation.

Additionally, the group aims to tailor his manifesto and general messaging, including conversations with Heads of State, to align with the diverse needs and concerns of each nation.

"Thus, our strategy is solely hinged on strategically lobbying for Baba's election to the AU Commission Chair.

"To achieve our mission, we are actively working to establish a comprehensive network across the continent. We aim to engage representatives from every country, facilitating Baba's direct interactions with their leaders, understanding their concerns, and tailoring his campaign message accordingly," Jaoko explained FOBA's further objectives.

The FOBA chair expressed positive belief in Raila's candidacy owing to his exemplary Pan-Africanism credentials, his past role as the AU Commission's Higher representative for Infrastructure Development, and his distinguished political career.

The group also lauded the former Prime Minister's commitment to democratic principles which align seamlessly with the values of the AU Commission, further underscored by his tenure as the Prime Minister of Kenya and his leadership in AU peace missions, notably in Ivory Coast in 2011.

"Consider this message as an introduction to our engagement, with more detailed updates to come. We value your input and welcome a plethora of suggestions and approaches on how best to achieve our shared objective.

"As the days unfold, we will keep you informed, and we look forward to collectively working with member states towards the realization of Raila Amolo Odinga's AU Commission Chairmanship," he added.

Raila first announced his ambition to succeed Moussa Faki as AUC chair on February 15, after receiving an endorsement from Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

He has since held talks with Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda) and Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) to secure their support in a bid to consolidate support from all East African Community (EAC) heads of government to enhance his bid for the continental position.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at a meeting with President Paul Kagame in Rwanda on March 8, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA