Raila To Host Event In Ethiopia As He Prepares To Intensify AUC Campaign

Raila Odinga's African Union Commission (AUC) campaign secretariat is set to hold a string of events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday, November 8, as he is expected to step up campaigns as Kenya's candidate for the chairperson seat.

In a press release on Wednesday, November 6 obtained by Viral Tea, the events will see the former Prime Minister formally unveiled to the continent as the candidate of the Republic of Kenya for chairperson of the African Union Commission.

"The Addis event is a follow-up to the 27th August 2024 official reception of the candidature of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in Nairobi, and is meant to provide a platform for the candidate to engage with core players, formations and partners of the AU," read the statement in part.

It is during these events that Raila will use the forum to outline his pan-African vision and priorities in line with AU Agenda 2063.

Raila Odinga speaking during the launch of his campaign for AUC seat on August 27, 2024. /PCS

Later that evening, Raila will crown the activities with a keynote address at the Grand Campaign Reception to be held at the AU Multipurpose Hall. "All the events will be open to the media," added the statement.

On August 27, 2024, President William Ruto appointed Dr Korir Sing’oei, the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, as the head of Odinga’s bid for the AUC Chairperson position, which currently cements Kenya's official endorsement of Raila's AUC candidacy.

Sing'oei is supported by another Kenyan, Elkanah Odembo. Odembo is a former Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the United States and previously served as Kenya’s Ambassador to France. His addition is critical in helping Odinga navigate the complexities in terms of diplomatic relations and politics of the AU.

“To assist in making the case for Hon Odinga's candidature, I also unveil the secretariat, which will be led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Ambassador Elkana Odembo. It will also include a diverse membership drawn from the five regions of the African Union,” President Ruto announced.

Sing'oei and Odembo were joined by five members, each representing a different region of the African continent. This regional diversity was seen as a strategic approach to garner widespread support across Africa.

During the formal launch of Raila's AUC campaign at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, August 27, Ruto disclosed that at least seven countries endorsed Odinga’s bid. According to Ruto, Odinga’s bid for the AUC seat had been endorsed by at least seven African presidents, including Cyril Ramaphosa (S. Africa), Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), and five from other EAC states.

Odinga’s selection of his campaign team pointed to his intent to present a pan-African vision. The team included notable figures such as former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Professor Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu.

President Ruto emphasised the campaign's significance, highlighting that Odinga’s candidacy transcends personal ambition.

“Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership. He embodies the extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics, which are crucial for leading the African Union further into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of our people,” Ruto stated.

The Head of State also held Raila in high regard, describing him as a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat who will do what it takes to make Africa proud and powerful.

“I know that Hon Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials, but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission. Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership,” Ruto added.