Raila Odinga’s Bid for African Union Leadership

Raila Odinga during a press briefing on the status of Kenya’s candidacy for the African Union chairmanship in Nairobi on June 5, 2024.

Introduction

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga clarified that he is not a “government project” in his quest for the top continental job. On Wednesday, June 5, Mr. Odinga stated that he was vying for a position in Africa, not within the Kenyan government. “But I need the Kenyan government’s endorsement for that Africa position,” he said. “At this meeting, we exchanged notes on the quest’s state, preparations, and next steps,” the former Prime Minister noted.

Odinga’s Independent Decision

Mr. Odinga emphasized that he seeks the position as a Kenyan and made the decision independently. “The Kenyan government did not ask me to contest,” he said. “I decided to serve the continent, and you cannot run without your country’s sponsorship.” He added, “Your candidature is not valid until your country says yes. I was pleasantly surprised when the government supported me. I expected them to say no. Their decision is not mine.”

Government Support and National Interest

During a joint press briefing, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced the country’s AU journey was on course. “The government backs Mr. Odinga because he is competent,” Mudavadi said. “We look at Kenya’s and Africa’s best interests.” He elaborated, “We must project the national interest for Kenya. It will be a first for Kenya and a leadership opportunity for the African Union.”

Odinga’s Experience and Vision

Mr. Odinga previously served as AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development. Mr. Mudavadi stated, “As a government and a country, we wish Raila godspeed in this noble endeavor for the continent. Africa needs a Baba.” He noted that Eastern Africa must nominate a candidate for the AU Commission chairperson based on the principle of inter-regional rotation. He added, “The deadline for regional nominations to the AU Commission is August 6, 2024.”

International Endorsements

President Ruto has advocated for Mr. Odinga in various countries. In Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged support for Mr. Odinga’s bid. Mr. Akufo-Addo will probably be out of office by the time elections at both the African Union Commission and the Commonwealth occur. His last term ends ahead of presidential elections in December. The AU will go into polls in February next year, while the Commonwealth will vote in September. It will matter less if Akufo-Addo’s party retains power.

Collaborative Efforts

President Ruto pitched Mr. Odinga’s bid in West Africa following their ‘handshake’ after previous political differences. President Ruto had previously campaigned for Odinga with neighbors, securing support from Rwanda and Uganda. During his State visit to Ghana, President Ruto said Kenya’s candidature stems from its leading role in enhancing and sustaining the pan-African agenda.

Strategic Diplomacy

“This includes independence and sovereignty, peace and security, development and prosperity, and sustainability and climate action,” President Ruto said. “We hope to work with all as we strive to achieve Africa’s 2063 agenda.” In turn, Dr. Ruto said Kenya would support Ghana’s bid for the Commonwealth Secretary General position. Ghana’s Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey will compete with Lesotho’s candidate for the post. “This presents an opportunity for Kenya and Ghana to collaborate,” he said.

Eastern Africa’s Candidate

Only candidates from the Eastern Africa region will be eligible for the AUC chairperson’s position under new rotation rules. After rigorous vetting, candidates will debate at a public televised forum, fielding questions from the public. Mr. Odinga will face Seychelles’s former Vice President Vincent Meriton, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, and former Somalia Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf in next February’s poll.

Focusing on a Kenyan Candidacy

While fielding questions from journalists, Mr. Mudavadi said, “We are focusing on a Kenyan candidacy. Other countries will speak about their own.” He added, “Our candidate is Raila Amollo Odinga. The strategy is in place, and we will address challenges and opportunities.” He continued, “Our President has made strides in talking to his counterparts across Africa, and that will count for something.”

Official Unveiling of the Roadmap

The government officially unveiled the roadmap for Mr. Odinga’s AUC candidacy. The government initiated the campaign strategy with an interim secretariat. President Ruto is set to unveil the joint team to spearhead the exercise. The stage is set for joint shuttle diplomacy to woo continental leadership to back Mr. Odinga’s bid. The government and opposition spoke in one voice since the disputed presidential polls and anti-government protests.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (Right) alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

Campaign Strategy and Secretariat

Mr. Mudavadi warned that local politics should not upset the bigger cause. He said Kenya will officially submit Mr. Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC chairperson by June 30. Nation established an interim secretariat at the PCS’s Kenya Railways office headquarters. Mr. Odinga’s strategy team includes former IGAD Executive Secretary Amb Mahboub Maalim, former US ambassador Elkanah Odembo, Amb Anthony Okara, Prof Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu.

Experienced Diplomats on Board

The Nation learned that the government team includes people at the ambassadorial level and seasoned diplomats. “Some served in significant stations like the United Nations and African Union,” a source told the Nation. Last month, President Ruto appointed former US ambassador Lazarus Amayo as the special envoy of the African Union Champion for Institution Reform.

Comprehensive Campaign Strategy

According to the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, Mr. Amayo will support the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. The Ministry will steer the President’s mandate as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform. The government has yet to unveil Amb Amayo as part of Mr. Odinga’s campaign secretariat. Amb Yobesh Monari, Director General Foreign Service Administration, may join the team alongside other diplomats with wide networks.

Preparing for Success

“This core team will receive support from seasoned diplomats in Kenya and advisers from the five AU regions,” a source revealed. Addressing the joint press briefing at his Railways headquarters, Mr. Mudavadi said they were finalizing preparatory and application documents. The documents will include translations of the resume into the six AU languages for submission by the end of the month.

Moving Forward with Determination

Mr. Mudavadi said the government was also working on a secretariat to lead the ODM leader’s campaigns. “Overall, the State leads the campaigns with experienced and knowledgeable officers,” Mr. Mudavadi announced. The State Department for Foreign Affairs established a campaign secretariat, including the candidate’s strategy team. The secretariat will prepare all briefs, develop campaign materials, including a digital presence, and prepare for the public debate.

Final Preparations

“This will take place six months before the election date,” the PCS said. An empirical campaign strategy identifies opportunities, challenges, and risks for Kenya’s candidature. “The campaign involves outreach to AU member states’ capitals, briefing of Kenya missions abroad, and engagements with diplomatic corps in Nairobi. Kenya is certain that our candidate, Raila Odinga, has the credentials and passion to advocate for Africa’s interests globally,” Mr. Mudavadi added.

This strategic approach highlights Mr. Odinga’s bid for the AU Commission chairperson and the unity between the government and the opposition.