Raila Reveals His Promises Should He Be Elected AUC Chairman
Odinga revealed that he intends to reduce the burden Africans have in terms of travel between the 54 countries in the continent.
Marvin Chege 
Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga has revealed his manifesto declaring what he intends to fulfil in the event he is elected African Union (AU) Commission chairperson.
In a series of posts on X on Friday, April 26, Odinga revealed that he intends to reduce the burden Africans have in terms of travel between the 54 countries in the continent.
"It is regrettable that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries.
Raila Odinga with the Australia's High Commissioner Jenny Da Rin during a meeting at his Karen home on April 26, 2024. /RAILA ODINGA
"Further to this, it is my hope that as chairman of the AUC, I will help the continent embark on long-deferred dreams including making River Nile navigable and connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Victoria – Lake Tanganyika water bodies to facilitate efficient logistics in the interiors," he announced.
Raila held a meeting with European diplomats at his residence in Karen where they reviewed the existing steadfast political, security, economic, and humanitarian support for Kenya and other African countries.
These include the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the Azimio la Umoja leader highlighting the need for lasting peace in the region.
He shared his vision for expanded cooperation on Pan-African policy priorities, and listed promises that he intends to fulfil should he clinch the top post.
These include a free trade regime and integration across the continent, removal of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability and free movement of people, infrastructure development, open skies and investment in energy and internet connectivity.
Despite receiving resounding support across Kenya, Raila's AUC bid has faced hurdles which include the entry of opposition candidates into the race to clinch the prestigious post as well as limiting rules imposed by relevant councils.
The bid has since been complicated further following the entry of Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, who joins Somali’s former deputy prime minister and current member of the federal parliament Fawzia Yusuf in the race to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson.
"Both regions can submit male and female candidates. The gender of the elected Chairperson will determine the gender of the Deputy Chairperson to be elected," the Executive Council Ministerial concluded after a meeting on April 2.
The African Union Executive Council on Friday, March 15 unanimously adopted a critical decision that it is the turn of the Eastern Africa region to submit candidates for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Raila Odinga speaking on February 10, 2024, during the funeral service of Mzee Willie Mulwa Muasya, Kalonzo Musyoka's brother-in-law. /RAILA ODINGA
