With just days remaining before the African Union Commission (AUC) elections, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei is confident that Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, will secure the top seat.
In an interview, Dr. Sing’Oei described Odinga as a “consummate negotiator, a strong leader, and a visionary emphasising AUC needs a tested leader who can shape the office and give it the gravitas required for the role.
He further stated that Odinga is the most suitable candidate for the position, noting, “Both Kenya and Prime Minister Odinga are committed to the African Renaissance—an Africa that is rising, self-confident, and ready to assert its interests more strongly.”
He said Odinga was the most suitable for the position “Both Kenya and Prime Minister Odinga are believers in the African Renaissance—an Africa that is rising, self-confident, and ready to assert its interests more strongly,”.
He further explained that President William Ruto was deliberate in selecting Odinga for the role, recognizing the need for a visionary leader who can navigate both the political and technical complexities of the position.
“Raila has the experience, the diplomatic acumen, and the stature to shape the AU and give it gravitas. His leadership will not just be a bureaucratic role but one that drives the African agenda forward,” he added.
Dr. Sing’Oei likened Odinga’s leadership to Kenya’s globally recognized brands, such as Kenya Airways and M-Pesa, calling his candidacy “a positive brand that will attract goodwill to the country.”
The PS also noted that Eastern Africa has not held the AUC chairmanship since the transition from the Organization of African Unity 25 years ago.
He highlighted Kenya’s role in regional diplomacy, economic leadership, and peace negotiations, arguing that the time is right for an East African leader to take charge of the AU.
According to the PS, Raila’s candidacy is expected to garner regional and continental support, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a key player in Africa’s global representation.
The former Prime Minister is set to face off Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti in the elections set to be held this weekend during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by the AU Assembly via a secret ballot.
The three candidates are seeking to succeed the outgoing Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat who has served two terms since 14 March 2017.
Past chairpersons have hailed from western, central and southern regions of the African Union. The AU Executive Council has asserted the right of the East African region to produce the next chairperson and North Africa is therefore vie for the deputy chairperson post.
The member states of the African Union are the 55 sovereign states that have ratified or acceded to the Constitutive Act of the African Union to become member states to the African Union.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/raila-au-bid-state-unveils-secretariat-to-clinch-seat/
https://www.kbc.co.ke/raila-will-face-off-with-three-candidates-for-auc-chairmanship/
