East African presidents endorse Raila for the AU commission chairperson job

President William Ruto on Tuesday March 5, 2024 disclosed that East African leaders have unanimously agreed to support Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union AU Commission chairperson role.

Speaking while officially opening the East African Legislative Assembly sitting at parliament in Nairobi, President Ruto noted that the move was aimed at ensuring Raila wins in the race to become the next AU Commission chairperson.

“As you are all aware that the chairmanship of the AU is coming up next year as the term for the current chair Moussa Faki comes to an end. It is going to be the turn for East Africa to provide the next chair,” President Ruto stated.

President William Ruto (L) with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula (C) and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi at parliament buildings on March 5, 2024. Photo: TV47.

Ruto added that all Presidents from the East African Community recently held a consultative meeting and agreed to endorse Raila for the AU top job.

“We have sat down in the spirit of the East African Community and consulted as Head of States from the East African Community together and we have agreed to sponsor one candidate as East Africa because that is the strength of our community,” he said.

President Ruto’s remarks emerged after the Kenya Kwanza government declared its full support in ensuring the ODM party leader takes over from Moussa Faki whose term ends at the beginning of 2025.

For instance, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi while addressing African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi on Monday March 4, 2024, emphasized that Kenya is seeking support of African nations in ensuring Raila becomes the next AUC chairperson.

“Kenya is determined to strengthen its position within the African Union Commission. We will be coming to you to support our candidate,” Mudavadi stated.

This was after the ODM party leader on February 15, 2024 declared his interest in becoming the next AU chairperson.

Speaking during a press briefing at his Karen home in Nairobi, Raila stated that he arrived at the decision after consulting widely.

“I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” said Raila Odinga.

His sentiments were echoed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who was present during Raila’s press briefing in Nairobi.

President William Ruto (L) and Raila Odinga (R) when they met with Uganda President Yoweri Museveni (C) in Kisozi, Uganda on Feb. 26, 2024.

“I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me (Hon. Odinga) is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him,” said Obasanjo.

Meanwhile, EALA speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana, stated that the assembly special sittings will take place until March 20 2024.

Also present during the EALA special sitting were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.