Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s aspiration for the chairmanship position at the African Union Commission (AUC) faces a potential setback if recently proposed election process reforms gain traction.
The draft, aimed at revamping criteria for top positions within the continental body, could reshape the landscape for contenders like Odinga.
The AU Permanent Representative Committee has suggested several changes, notably one that would disqualify member states from contesting if they have held the chairmanship or deputy positions since 2002.
If adopted by the heads of state from the 44 countries, this proposal would hinder Odinga’s bid, given Kenya and Rwanda’s prior occupancy of deputy positions.
According to a rotational principle established in 2018, the upcoming chairmanship should be from the Eastern Africa region. This would limit viable candidates to countries like Tanzania, excluding Kenya from the running.
The fate of Odinga’s bid hinges on the decision-making process at the AU, where consensus is paramount. A single opposing vote from any member state could thwart the proposed reforms from becoming binding.
Ruto, speaking during an investment conference in Homa Bay County this week, reassured Kenyans of his commitment to a unified government where no one would be excluded.
“I promised that there will be no loser here in Kenya. I promised that I would work so hard to ensure that everyone lands somewhere. You did not believe me. Now you can see how things are going. Didn’t I promise that?” Ruto declared this during the conference.
