The African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race, originally seen as former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s opportunity, has taken an unexpected turn.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s seasoned opposition leader, reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with President William Ruto, sidelining Uhuru in exchange for support in securing the AUC position. However, Djibouti’s candidate, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is now emerging as the frontrunner, signaling challenges for Raila’s candidacy.
This shifting dynamic is straining Kenya’s political elite, with recent meetings between Ruto and Uhuru further widening divisions.
READ: Raila Odinga to Face AU Rivals in High-Stakes Televised Debate
Raila’s ODM party has been notably silent on these developments, fueling speculation about internal discord. Meanwhile, ODM ally Robert Alai has accused Uhuru of undermining Raila’s bid by supporting Youssouf, adding intrigue to an already contentious race
The evolving contest reflects Kenya’s delicate balance between regional influence and internal political realignment, underscoring the complexity of the country’s role in African leadership.
