European diplomats on Thursday April 25, 2024 endorsed Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairperson position. 

The diplomats endorsed Raila’s bid for the AUC job during a consultative meeting on Thursday at his Karen home, in Nairobi. 

In a press statement, the ODM party leader explained that they exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues during the meeting. 

“Mr. Odinga held separate meetings with Norwegian ambassador to Kenya Mr. Gunnar Andreas Holm and Australia’s High Commissioner Ms. Ms Jenny Da Rin at his Karen home.

“The diplomats encouraged Mr Odinga in his quest and expressed hope that he would be able to focus the continent on critical matters holding it back,” read part of a statement from Raila’s communication team.

This was after the former Prime Minister explained to the diplomats the need for continental integration, removal of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability and free movement of goods and people in Africa as priority areas he would focus on as AUC chair.

During the meeting, Raila regretted that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries.

Meanwhile, the diplomats agreed with Raila on the need for a strong AU to drive potential game changer issues like continental free trade, infrastructure development, open skies and investment in energy and internet connectivity. 

Raila also explained to the diplomats about his vision for expanded cooperation on other foreign policy priorities, including a free trade regime across the continent. 

He further used the engagements to brief the diplomats on his quest for African Union Commission chairmanship and his plans for the continent should he ascend to the office.

At the same time, the former Prime Minister and the diplomats reaffirmed commitment to the historic ties and shared values that link their nations. 

They further discussed ways to further deepen bilateral and continental cooperation on local and global issues of mutual interest.

At the same time, the leaders reviewed the existing steadfast political, security, economic, and humanitarian support for Kenya and other African countries, including the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for lasting peace in the region.