Kenya has officially launched its campaign to support Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi and Odinga addressing the nation in a joint press conference today.
Dr. Mudavadi announced that Kenya has completed all necessary preparations for the campaign, with a formal submission of required documents to the AUC Secretariat led by Dr. Korir Singoei, alongside Odinga’s strategy team. He detailed Odinga’s vision for the AUC, emphasizing key areas such as African integration, infrastructure development, economic transformation, intra-African trade, financial independence, agricultural innovation, climate action, peace and security, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
Mudavadi expressed confidence in Odinga’s extensive experience and his commitment to Pan-Africanism, confirming Odinga’s readiness to participate in the upcoming MjadalaAfrika, a televised debate where candidates will present their plans for the continent, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
President William Ruto has fully endorsed Odinga’s bid, which Mudavadi described as an act of statesmanship. The official launch of Odinga’s campaign for AUC Chairperson is scheduled for August 27, 2024.
Raila Odinga pledged his dedication to creating a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa, quoting Kwame Nkrumah’s famous words, “Africa must unite or perish.” He promised to tackle ongoing challenges across the continent, including in healthcare, education, wealth creation, integration, connectivity, employment, peace, and security.
Mudavadi concluded by calling on Kenyans to support Odinga’s candidacy, framing it as a “National Mission” that represents Kenya’s values and aspirations on the African continent.
The AUC Chairperson election is set for February 25, 2025.
