Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga received a significant show of support from East African leaders as he launched his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship at a high-profile event held at State House, Nairobi.
The event, hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, underscored the strong regional backing for Odinga’s candidacy, with leaders from across the East African Community (EAC) and beyond coming together to endorse his bid.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit were among the prominent figures who attended the launch, alongside Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca and Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gen. (Rtd.) James Kabarebe.
In his remarks, President Ruto emphasized the unity and collaboration among East African nations, praising the attendance of the regional leaders as a testament to their shared commitment to fostering regional development and a stronger African Union. He expressed confidence that Odinga’s leadership at the AU would enhance East Africa’s influence and contributions to the broader Pan-African agenda.
“With an East African leader at the helm of the AU Commission, we can further amplify our collective vision for a more prosperous and integrated continent,” Ruto said.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan offered a particularly strong endorsement, highlighting Odinga’s pan-Africanist credentials and his longstanding dedication to African integration.
“Back in Tanzania, I am fondly referred to as ‘Mama,’ so it’s my pleasure to support the great statesman of Kenya, fondly referred to as ‘Baba,’ in his bid for AUC chairperson. He fits the bill,” Suluhu said, adding that Odinga’s leadership would ensure Africa’s voice is heard on global issues like climate change, trade, and artificial intelligence.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also threw his weight behind Odinga, praising him as a true pan-Africanist who is well-suited to lead the AU at a time when the continent faces significant challenges. Museveni revealed that he had personally communicated Uganda’s support for Odinga to Djibouti, which has also fielded a candidate for the AUC chairmanship.
“We are looking for a pointman to lead us in that big battle of prosperity. If you say prosperity comes from African integration, we must ensure the person leading is convinced and not one looking for work,” Museveni said, stressing that Odinga’s vision and conviction made him the ideal candidate for the role.
The event also drew praise from former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded the strong show of regional solidarity in support of Odinga’s candidacy. He commended President Ruto for his role in positioning Odinga as the candidate of the East African Community, calling the event at State House “historic.”
Odinga, in his speech, pledged to work towards uniting Africa and ensuring that the African Union’s impact is felt across the continent if he secures the position. He faces competition from Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
The widespread support from East African leaders is seen as a major boost for Odinga’s candidacy, potentially positioning him as a frontrunner in the race for the AUC chairmanship. The leaders’ endorsements reflect a shared belief that Odinga’s leadership could help advance the continent’s development goals and strengthen the African Union’s role on the global stage.
