President William Ruto confirmed on Tuesday that leaders of the East African Community have reached a consensus to endorse Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio coalition, as the candidate for the African Union (AU) Commission chairman post.
Speaking at the preliminary opening of the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) special sittings, Ruto stated that supporting Odinga’s bid is a collective effort to secure victories for the African continent.
Ruto informed the assembly that the chairmanship of the AU will be available next year when the current chair Moussa Faki’s term concludes.
He emphasized that it is East Africa’s turn to provide the next AU chair, and after consultative meetings, leaders from the East African Community agreed to sponsor Odinga as the candidate.
“We have sat down in the spirit of the East African Community and consulted as Heads of States from the East African Community together, and we have agreed to sponsor one candidate as East Africa because that is the strength of our community,” President Ruto stated.
The Kenyan government officially announced its active campaign for Raila Odinga’s bid to replace Moussa Faki as the head of the African Union Commission.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s determination to strengthen its position within the African Union Commission and seek the support of African countries for Odinga’s candidacy.
“Kenya is determined to strengthen its position within the African Union Commission. We will be coming to you to support our candidate,” Mudavadi stated, also highlighting Kenya’s plan to use its leadership of the AUC to enhance ties, including trade and investments, among African nations.
The EALA special sittings, which began on Tuesday, will continue until March 20, 2024, with members expected to participate in the International Women’s Day celebration in Embu County.
This assembly marks a significant gathering since EALA legislators last convened in Nairobi in 2018 at the Kenyan parliament buildings. The session saw the presence of EALA MPs, the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Senate counterpart Amason Kingi, and other top government officials led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
