Addressing an audience of African leaders, diplomats, and stakeholders, Mudavadi underscored Raila’s lifelong commitment to African unity and his extensive experience in regional leadership and development.
“I am delighted to join this gathering of eminent representatives of all African governments to the African Union here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” Mudavadi began, welcoming delegates to the event, hosted by Kenya, to unveil Raila’s strategic vision for the continent.
Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to African solidarity and advancing the AU’s mission on the global stage.
“The Government and the people of Kenya, led by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto, have formally endorsed the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga as the most suitable candidate for the AUC Chairperson,” he said.
Mudavadi highlighted the increasing role of the African Union in global governance and the urgent need for a candid assessment of the AU’s progress.
He praised the AU’s adoption of African solutions to African problems, a vision that has empowered Africa’s agency on the world stage.
“Today, as a continent, change is upon us as never before,” he noted. “Through the African Union, the continent is gradually asserting itself on the global stage, emphasizing Africa’s quest for a more just and equitable world order.”
Mudavadi went on to describe Raila as a lifelong Pan-Africanist and an accomplished global statesman with a profound history of visionary leadership.
He pointed to Raila’s role as the AU High Representative on Infrastructure Development in Africa from 2018 to 2023, where he mobilized African leaders to address the continent’s infrastructure gaps, further strengthening his qualifications for the role.
Raila Odinga’s candidacy, according to Mudavadi, brings forward a complete leadership package that is founded on teamwork, bold decision-making, Pan-Africanism, and responsiveness to the aspirations of each AU member state.
Concluding his remarks, Mudavadi proudly presented Raila to the assembly.
“The President, the Government, and the people of Kenya wholeheartedly present to you one of our most celebrated sons to be the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission.”
