Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has disclosed that ODM party leader Raila Odinga is best qualified for the African Union chairperson job.
Speaking during TV47 Morning Cafe show with Fred Indimuli on Thursday February 22, Passaris compared Raila to Nelson Mandela, adding that Africa lacks leaders of his stature.
“I believe Raila Odinga is the best man for the AU job because Africa lacks leaders of his stature. Just like Mandela, we have Raila and I wish him all the very best,” said Passaris.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela (now deceased) is known for making history in fighting for the rights of black people during Apartheid in South Africa.
The Nairobi woman representative noted that this was the right time for both opposition and the Kenya Kwanza government to work together in supporting Raila’s bid for his AU bid.
READ ALSO: I’m ready to serve as chairperson of African Union, says Raila Odinga
According to Passaris, Raila Odinga has a track record of making an impact in politics across the African continent and beyond.
Her remarks emerged at a time when confirmed reports indicated that former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete is also in the race for the AU chairperson job.
As a result most political analysts are of the view that Kikwete is a threat to Raila in the race for the AU top job since they both come from the East African region.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Ministry Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei had assured that the Kenyan Government led by President William Ruto was ready to facilitate Raila’s Candidature for the AU job.
READ ALSO: Govt ready to facilitate Raila Odinga’s candidature for AU top job says PS Korir
“Facilitating the candidature of qualified Kenyans to regional and international organizations is one of the mandates of @ForeignOfficeKE. We are on standby to support this quest of a well deserving national,” stated Sing’oei.
The ODM party leader on February 15, declared his interest to take over from Moussa Faki, whose term is coming to an end in early 2025.
“I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” said Raila.
His sentiments were echoed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who was present during Raila’s press briefing in Nairobi.
READ ALSO: Passaris: I’m going to ban schools uniforms in Kenya, KSh30,000 is ridiculous!
“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.
