By Michael Omondi
Saturday February 15, 2025
As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections draw closer, Kenya has reaffirmed its unwavering support and optimism in the candidature of Raila Odinga for the Chairmanship.
Over the past few months, Mr. Odinga has led an intensive and strategic campaign, directly engaging over 40 African Heads of State and securing broad-based backing across the continent.
Additionally, his candidature has received full endorsement from the East African Community (EAC), friends of Kenya and Pan-African allies, demonstrating confidence in his ability to steer the African Union towards greater unity, economic transformation and institutional efficiency.
“With elections set for February 15 and 16, Kenya’s delegation remains fully engaged and committed to ensuring Mr. Odinga’s victory,” asserted the Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, in a press statement.
Dr. Mwaura announced that the Government of Kenya, under the leadership of President William Ruto, who doubles as the AU Champion on Institutional Reforms, continues to rally support for Mr. Odinga’s bid.
He implored that a Raila Odinga-led AUC would strongly complement President Ruto’s efforts in driving critical AU reforms, ensuring that the African Union becomes more effective, responsive and people-centred.
In an extraordinary display of uzalendo, the Government Spokesperson noted thousands of Kenyans, including members of the Kenyan diaspora in Ethiopia, have voluntarily converged in Addis Ababa to stand in solidarity with Kenya and Mr. Odinga.
“The government reaffirms that Kenya’s official delegation remains standard-sized, in accordance with diplomatic protocols,” he maintained, adding that any other Kenyan who has travelled to Addis Ababa has done so voluntarily, at their own expense, inspired by their unwavering belief in Mr. Odinga’s leadership.
This, according to Dr. Mwaura, demonstrates the true Kenyan spirit of love, peace and unity, as enshrined in the country’s national anthem.
He said Kenya remains confident that Mr. Odinga’s vast experience, deep pan-African credentials and transformative vision will resonate with AU member states, leading to a successful election outcome.