Siaya, Kenya — President William Ruto has expressed strong confidence that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat as the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, praising his candidacy as one that has garnered “enormous” support across the continent.
Speaking at the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya County, Ruto emphasized that Raila’s bid is not only for Kenya but for the entire East African Community (EAC), asserting that his leadership will be transformative for Africa.
“We have made tremendous progress with Raila’s candidature. Before we rolled it out, we consulted with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and other EAC heads of state to confirm that Raila was the right candidate to take on this important role,” Ruto said. “This is not just a Kenyan effort; it is East Africa’s effort, and we are all united in support.”
Raila, who is up against contenders from Djibouti, Mauritius, and Madagascar, is vying for one of the most influential positions in African politics. The elections, set to take place during the African Union Summit in February 2025, could reshape the continent’s future by placing East Africa at the helm of the continental body.
The president’s endorsement came at a pivotal moment as Raila continues to gather global support, receiving delegations and visiting heads of state to solidify his bid.
Ruto emphasized that Raila’s leadership would usher in a new era for Africa, thanks to his extensive experience and proven track record in pan-African diplomacy.
“Raila’s credentials span many areas, and his history of championing African unity makes him the perfect candidate for the AUC chairmanship,” Ruto noted. “A successful Raila bid will turn around Africa’s fortunes.”
In addition to discussing the AUC chairmanship, Ruto used the festival as a platform to urge East Africans to preserve their cultures and traditions, pointing to the recent gazettement of two cultural heritage sites in Siaya—the Ramogi Hill Forest Reserve and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum. He also revealed that the government is assessing seven other historical sites for potential gazettement, further underscoring the region’s commitment to cultural preservation.
“As we build on our roots, we must ensure we have a successful nation, which begins with strong families, thriving communities, and a progressive region,” Ruto said.
The outcome of Raila Odinga’s campaign for the AUC chairmanship could mark a historic moment for East Africa and the broader African Union, with Ruto’s endorsement serving as a significant milestone in rallying regional support.
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