Government Forms Secretariat To Help Raila Cement AU Bid
Raila Odinga, the prospective candidate from Kenya for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, recently engaged in discussions with Prime CS and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi on June 5, 2024.
This meeting marked a significant milestone as the Government of Kenya unveiled its strategy to bolster Odinga’s bid by establishing a dedicated campaign secretariat. Mudavadi, speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Nairobi, underscored Odinga’s unwavering commitment to pursuing excellence in line with the continent’s collective aspirations, as outlined in the AUC development framework for 2063.
The newly formed secretariat, operating under state leadership, aims to provide comprehensive support to Odinga’s candidacy. Mudavadi outlined its key responsibilities, including the preparation of campaign materials, translation of Odinga’s resume into six languages, and coordination of public debates broadcasted live across Africa. These efforts signify a concerted push to position Odinga competitively for the role.
Preparations for submission are well underway, with the secretariat working diligently to ensure all necessary documents are ready by the end of June, ahead of the regional submission deadline set for August 6, 2024. Furthermore, plans are in place to hold public debates six months prior to the election date, fostering transparency and engagement with African citizens.
Odinga expressed gratitude for the government’s support and emphasized the importance of seamless coordination between his team and state authorities. He highlighted his efforts to leverage his extensive experience, relationships, and understanding of the continent to garner support from as many nations as possible.
Notably, Odinga has received encouraging affirmations from senior government officials and secured endorsements from nine heads of state, including prominent figures like Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.
However, Odinga faces formidable competition in his bid for the AUC chairperson position. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssouf and Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf present strong contenders from the Eastern Africa region. Nevertheless, Odinga remains optimistic about his prospects, with the possibility of assuming office from 2025 to 2028, succeeding Chad’s Moussa Faki, whose tenure concludes next year.
In Other News: Mudavadi, Raila Unveil Roadmap For AUC Chairperson Bid
Government Forms Secretariat To Help Raila Cement AU Bid