Kenya Submits Official Documents for Raila Odinga’s AUC Chair Bid

Azimio leader Raila Odinga signing off his AUC application documents flanked by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Azimio spokesperson Makau Mutua on July 27, 2024.

Kenya Supports Raila Odinga’s AUC Chairmanship Bid

The Kenyan government has officially submitted documents to back Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. The Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, led the delegation that handed over the documentation.

Submission Details

The Kenyan team delivered the documents to Dharmraj Busgeeth, the Dean of the Eastern Region, and to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Sing’oei emphasized Raila Odinga’s key priorities if elected as AUC Chairperson.

Odinga’s Key Priorities

According to Sing’oei, Raila Odinga aims to focus on several critical areas:

• African Integration and Infrastructure Development
• Economic Transformation
• Enhancing Intra-African Trade
• Financial Independence
• Gender Equity and Equality
• Agricultural Transformation
• Climate Action
• Peace and Security
• Youth Empowerment Agenda

Sing’oei highlighted that Odinga’s agenda encompasses broad and essential goals for Africa’s future.

Election Timeline

The African Union’s 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa on March 15, 2024, set February 2025 as the election date for senior leadership. The session determined that the Eastern Region would nominate candidates for Chairperson, while the Northern Region would propose candidates for Deputy Chairperson.

Requirements for Candidacy

Candidates for the Chairperson position must submit their resumes in the AU-approved format. Additionally, they need to include a brief vision statement outlining their plans to address pressing issues facing the AU and the continent. This statement must be in at least two of the Union’s working languages and should not exceed one and a half pages. The AU will post these vision statements on a dedicated webpage.

Kenya’s Campaign Strategy

To support Raila Odinga’s bid, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi outlined a detailed campaign strategy on June 5, 2024. This strategy includes:

• Establishing a Campaign Secretariat: Managed by the State Department for Foreign Affairs.
• Outreach Programs: Engaging with AU member states to build support.
• Public Debate Preparation: Organizing a debate to be broadcast live across Africa six months before the election.

Mudavadi expressed strong confidence in Odinga’s potential to win the position. He assured that the government would fully support Odinga’s candidacy.

Government’s Commitment

Mudavadi emphasized, “We have no doubt that Raila Odinga will pursue excellence, aligning with the continent’s aspirations as outlined in the Africa We Want 2063 framework.” The government’s commitment underscores its dedication to advancing Odinga’s candidacy and supporting his vision for Africa’s future.

Kenya’s formal submission of documents and the outlined campaign strategy demonstrate the country’s strong support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairperson position. With a clear focus on key development areas and a comprehensive campaign plan, Kenya aims to enhance Odinga’s chances of leading the African Union toward a more integrated and prosperous future.