Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has formally tabled Kenya’s candidature for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson for endorsement and support by the Member States of the Great Lakes Region.
Mudavadi presented Raila Odinga’s candidature during the 18th Ordinary Session of the Inter-Ministerial Committee of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Luanda, Angola on Sunday.
He described Raila as a respected Pan-Africanist, who has demonstrated his knowledge, governance and diplomatic leadership on regional and global issues.
“Allow me to inform this distinguished gathering that Kenya has presented her candidature for the position of Chairperson of the AUC at the elections to be held during the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2025,” said Mudavadi.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I request the support of the Member States of the ICGLR for Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC Chairperson,” he urged.
Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Member States present appreciated and acknowledged Odinga’s credentials & continental reputation and took note of Kenya’s request for Odinga’s support and endorsement as the only ICGLR candidate in the race.
Led by Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo they pledged to rally behind Kenya in the February elections.
Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, noted that Odinga served the African Union with distinction during his term as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa and also successfully mediated political disputes in several countries.
He told the meeting that throughout his long political career, Odinga has championed regional integration and fostered continental unity, development and economic transformation.
Mudavadi said Kenya is confident that Odinga’s vision, expertise and dedication will enhance the African Union’s capacity to address key challenges and advance the collective aspirations for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
“I humbly seek support for Kenya’s candidacy from all of you valued member of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. I assure you that together, we can ensure a leadership that reflects the shared values and priorities of our region and the continent,” he urged.
Mudavadi has maintained that the campaigns for Odinga’s quest for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) are firmly on course.
He said Odinga represents the Kenya’s voice, values and aspirations within the continent.
The AUC chairperson’s seat is set to fall vacant in February 2025 when its current occupant, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, finishes his second term.
The former Prime Minister is facing off with Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Kenya has less than three months to convince countries to vote in favour of her candidate with a clarion call that Odinga’s leadership will focus on spurring economic transformation across the continent, enhancing intra-Africa trade, securing financial independence, and promoting gender equality.
