Gachagua Labels Raila As 'Kenya's Finest' Ahead Of AUC Elections

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, February 14 showered praises for former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson elections this weekend.

In a short statement, the impeached second-in-command commended Odinga, calling him the clear and most qualified candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

Expressing confidence in Odinga’s bid for the continent's top position, Gachagua affirmed that Raila's global outlook and commitment to advocating for the African people were unquestionable.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga at KICC for Africa Climate Summit on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. /DPPS

"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," he wrote in part.

Gachagua remarked that Africa needs a Raila Odinga 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 Panafrican 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," he added.

Gachagua's remarks were taken positively by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei, who deemed him “Patriotic. There is more that unite than divide us as a Nation."

On August 27, 2024, Gachagua, who spoke at State House during the official launch of Raila's AUC bid, termed the former Prime Minister as a man who exuded great resilience, endurance and perseverance.

“Somebody may ask why Rigathi Gachagua who has before had issues with the leadership of Raila Odinga, as a truthful man I had nothing against him," Gachagua explained, adding "It's only that we were competing for the same position between him and my boss."

The then-DP further assured Raila, who served in the Kenyan government before as Prime Minister in the administration of the late Mwai Kibaki, that the government and Kenyans were behind Raila, who formally kicked off his campaign for the continental role.

“Now that he is going for a bigger seat in Africa, all of us from the president, I and the Kenyans are behind him and Raila Odinga, as a man who listens to the ground let me confirm to you that I have listened to the ground and all Kenyans across the political divide across communities are in support of your candidature and we wish you well," he noted.

On June 6, 2024, Raila hinted at working together with Gachagua despite the two being at political loggerheads for a considerable amount of time, saying his decision to work with the Deputy President was mainly due to his quest to clinch the role of AUC chairperson.