President William Ruto met with six African presidents in Beijing, China, to rally support for Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union (AU) Commission chairmanship.
Ruto held discussions with Presidents Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, Assimi Goita of Mali, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Mahamat Idriss Deby of Chad, and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia. These talks focused on gaining backing for Odinga’s AU candidacy and addressing bilateral matters between Kenya and the respective nations.
“Met President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Beijing, China, and discussed strengthening our relations and the candidacy of Raila Odinga for the position of African Union Commission chairperson,” Ruto shared in a post on his X platform.
President Ruto has been actively advocating for Odinga’s bid to secure the top position at the AU Commission, emphasizing that Odinga would protect the region’s interests if appointed. This follows the decision by East African Community leaders to endorse Odinga as their candidate for the AU Commission chairmanship.
Kenya officially launched the former Prime Minister’s candidacy for the AU Commission chairmanship on August 29, 2024. During this event, President Ruto hosted regional leaders at State House, Nairobi, reaffirming his strong support for Odinga.
Praising Odinga, Ruto described him as a “veteran mobilizer for positive change” and expressed confidence in his capability to lead the AU Commission.
“Raila is a celebrated statesman whose long-standing leadership has been driven by an unwavering commitment to democratic change as the cornerstone for sustainable freedom and prosperity,” Ruto stated.
