President William Ruto has appreciated leaders from the East African Community, who unconditionally accepted his invite to join in the official launch of the Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the Kenyan candidate for African Union Commission chairmanship.

In a statement on Tuesday August 27, 2024, President Ruto noted that the presence of EAC leaders reflected a shared commitment to unity and progress in the region.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow leaders from East Africa for joining us at State House, Nairobi, for the launch of Kenya’s candidate; Hon. Raila Odinga for Chair of the African Union Commission. Your presence reflects our shared commitment to unity and progress in our region,” Ruto said.

Among the guests present was presidents Kaguta Museveni (Uganda), Suluhu Samia (Tanzania), and Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan).

Others also present were former president of Nigeria Baba Olusegun Obasanjo, Prime Minster Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi, Gen. (Rtd.) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Rwanda and other heads of delegation

The Head of State noted that the EAC leaders understand the power of working together and the importance of having a united voice.

He insisted that East Africa has for a long time been a beacon of resilience and innovation in the continent.

Ruto said that with Raila as the chairman of the AUC, East Africa can expand its collective vision for an integrated and prosperous Africa.

Additionally, the president noted that this will also help the region contribute greatly to the Pan-African agenda.

During the launch, Raila promised to unite Africa. He went further stating that he will also make the African Union’s impact to be felt by the people of the Continent, should he get the job.

“Excellencies, I am ready to serve, my heart is ready, and my hands are steady, and with your support I shall get the opportunity to be of service to Africa,” said Raila Odinga.

“I am here as the African Lion. I have been asleep in the jungles of the Congo. I am sitting on African gold, oil, diamond and copper ores. I have the ability to transform all these materials into wealth for the benefit of my people,” he added.

All the leaders present endorsed the former Kenyan Prime Minister for the job.

Raila is facing competition from Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.