Azimio leader Raila Odinga is now closer to taking the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship after major decision in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

On Friday, March 15, the AU Executive Council unanimously agreed to allow the Eastern Africa region produce a candidate for the AUC chair post.

The announcement was made by Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi who was in attendance.

He is currently in Ethiopia for the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the AU’s Executive Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers.

“This is a major breakthrough for the Eastern Africa region to present candidates for the position of Chairperson of the AUC,” he added.

Mudavadi reportedly lobbied members to make the decision which offers Raila Odinga an upper hand in claiming the prestigious position.

“It is now clear that Raila Odinga will be in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson. Effectively, there are no more technical or legal hurdles preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate.”

This major decision is in alignment with the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure of the African Union policy organs and the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

In the verdict, Northern Africa region will produce candidates to compete for the Deputy Chairperson position, while Central, Southern and Western regions will front candidates for the positions of six commissioners.

Mudavadi noted that efforts to lobby for support in favour of Raila Odinga’s candidature will now be intensified to ensure Kenya wins the top seat.

The AUC chair elections will be held in February 2025.

The former Prime Minister has stated on several occasions that joining the AUC leadership will not deter him from participating in the 2027 general elections.

He alluded that he would return should his supporters demand of it, and that he would not be exiting the political scene anytime soon.