Five Presidents are expected in Nairobi on Tuesday August 27, 2024 for the launch of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson role.

The commissioning of Raila’s candidacy for the AUC job will be spearheaded by President William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi.

In a statement on Monday, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura confirmed that at least 5 Heads of State will be in Nairobi for the event.

“Tomorrow we are launching the bid of Raila Odinga to be the AUC chair at State House and the President of the Republic of Kenya is a champion for reforms at the AU. 

“He took over from Paul Kagame and you saw people coming here in droves. We’ll have several presidents tomorrow,” said Isaac Mwaura.

He added that at least five presidents from five East African Community (EAC) countries are expected to attend Raila’s event.

For instance, EAC has eight member countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir who is also the current chairperson of the East African Community, arrived in Nairobi on Monday evening.

President Salva Kiir was received by the Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.

“Receiving South Sudan President H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, ahead of the Launch of Kenya’s Candidature for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Tuesday, August 27, 2024,” Mvurya noted in a statement on X.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo will also attend Raila’s unveiling event.

This is after Raila declared interest in becoming the next AUC chairperson, seeking to take over from Moussa Faki of Chad, whose term ends in February 2025. 

Raila’s competitors are Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.