Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be participating in the upcoming Mjadala Afrika Leadership debate for the African Union Commission Chairperson position at the AUC headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on December 13, 2024.

During the debate, Raila will face off with two other candidates; Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar).

The debate will set the pace for the AUC elections scheduled to take place in February 2025.

While making the announcement on Tuesday December 3, 2024, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted that Raila’s credentials were suitable to succeed incumbent Moussa Faki.

Mudavadi, who also doubles up as the Foreign Affairs CS, noted that through Raila’s candidature, Kenya will maintain its record in humanitarian support and becoming a voice for change.

“Kenya has maintained its impeccable record in humanitarian support including refugee warfare, peace and security initiative regionally and globally,” Mudavadi said during the 60 Years of Kenya’s Diplomatic Journey Celebrations in Nairobi. 

“Indeed, Kenya’s commitment to strengthen this leadership role is demonstrated by its candidature for the AUC.”

“Kenya has fronted one of its sons, Raila Odinga. We thank him for graciously joining us in this historic celebration of our 60 years diplomatic journey,” he added.

He expressed confidence that Kenya will seize the position in the upcoming AUC elections.

“We have no doubt that his pan African credentials and leadership experience will immensely contribute to the continent’s shared prosperity and champion the courses of peace and unity,” stated Mudavadi.