Kenya’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson candidate Raila Odinga is a consummate politician with many decades of experience. He has almost single-handedly crafted Kenyan politics, engaging vibrantly on the national stage. Internationally, he is also a respected and revered leader, having collaborated with various political leaders in their journey of self-determination and revolution.
President William Ruto is Odinga’s long-term political collaborator, starting as a political student, to nemesis, and now to a coalition partner made possible by the Head of State’s deliberation in building political relationships that are mutually beneficial, both in Kenya and across the world. This is the secret to his longevity and success.
According to the state, what the broad-based government has achieved in Kenya is now going to benefit the continent following if Odinga clinches the AUC chairperson seat.
When politicians collaborate rather than remain as opponents or enemies, the people benefit. Finding merit in this, it was only natural for the President to put effort into the candidature of Raila.
President Ruto’s confidence in Raila Odinga
Unlike others who only see Raila for what he can do for them, President Ruto believes in the statesman that the former Prime minister is, and because of this, he ensured that the campaign for the AUC chairmanship was fully resourced and backed by the whole nation.
No Kenyan does not know of the candidate, and the nation stands united in support.
Also Read: Explained: Step by Step Process of How AUC Voting Will be Conducted
By standing by the candidature of Raila, the President has demonstrated that the politics of division and animosity do not pay.
Nothing in politics is permanent. Once political contestation is over, it is better for leaders to close ranks and work together than to remain in a state of perpetual animosity.
Odinga has also put in the work, traversing the continent and making an effort to sell his agenda for Africa. His energetic and spirited effort is an inspiration to the level of engagement he will bring to the AU chairmanship.
In addition, the synergy between the President and Raila is evident. The success of the broad-based government has demonstrated this. With the success of Kenya in the continental and international arena, the vibrancy of this new dynamic duo will surely be showcased.
The detractors of the President and Odinga are narrow-minded, thinking that this is for self-aggrandizement.
Africa is in the crux of several crises that need attention, most notably the situation in the DRC. Strong and steady leadership between the AU and EAC will definitely yield results to prevent war.
East Africa’s time
Time has come for East Africa to take leadership of the continent, and to this end, Kenya has offered her finest and most valiant son.
In recognizing this potential and helping make this a reality, the President has ensured that Raila is seen in his true stature, as a towering continental statesman, not just another local politician.
He was the Minister of Agriculture courtesy of Raila Odinga, and now that he is in leadership, he is doing his turn to deliver for Raila.
The President knows the value of experience and was not part of those who wrote off Raila Odinga as a political loser.
Also Read: Raila to Make Keynote Address in Ethiopia as His AUC Campaign Enters Crucial Stage
The world is now poised to see the meaning of the phrase, “What an old man can see sitting, a young man cannot see standing.”
Notably, he wisdom and experience of Raila will benefit Africa and bring prosperity and prestige to Kenya as a whole.
Kenya is banking on former premier Raila Odinga’s experience and vision to steer Africa’s agenda in a transformative direction.
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government made up of 49 member states will elect and appoint the AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson during the AU Summit’s 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government set for Friday and Saturday.
Odinga will face his key opponent Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister.
President arrives in Addis
The former Prime Minister has so far met several presidents from across Africa’s regions and received endorsements from several leaders.
President Ruto arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Thursday, two days before African Heads of State and their representatives vote for Moussa Faki Mahamat’s replacement.
His early arrival indicates the high stakes involved in the race. Raila arrived on Wednesday evening, hours after meeting Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye in a last-minute campaign.
The Assembly will meet tomorrow to vote for the AUC chair and on Sunday to formally appoint the four commissioners elected by the Council of Ministers.
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