Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned politicians against making reckless utterances concerning Kenya’s bid to front a candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship role.
This comes days after he confirmed that Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga would be in the race for the AUC chairperson post.
Mudavadi was speaking on March 23, 2024, during a funeral service in Vihiga County where he called out politicians making utterances about Odinga’s bid.
According to the PCS, the utterances by a section of politicians might weaken Kenya’s quest for the top continental job.
He further urged politicians to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and put the interest of the country first.
“The issue is not about getting someone a job as a reward. The question should be what Kenya’s best interest will be if we have our candidate win. What Kenya is offering the continent in terms of leadership is the bigger picture we should be looking at,” said Mudavadi.
Additionally, he made a reminder that Kenya is a member among the 55 other members of the African Union (AU), noting that the chairperson’s position is not about individuals but the nation as a member.
Also Read: High Level Meeting Clears Path for Raila to Vie for AU Job
Mudavadi, therefore, urged politicians to stop making the AU bid an Odinga issue as an individual but instead recognize the fact that the country is fronting a candidate to offer leadership.
Mudavadi on Raila’s quest
According to him, Kenya is seeking ways it will help to unite Africa in solving challenges faced by the continent.
“Once we have established that it is to the nation’s interest, then we can now begin asking ourselves does Raila fit the bill and the answer is, yes,” pointed Mudavadi.
The PCS went on to explain why President William Ruto chose Odinga as Kenya’s potential candidate for the AUC role.
He said that President Ruto acknowledged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader’s vast experience that will help Africa find solutions to the challenges it is facing.
Mudavadi pointed out that Raila has demonstrated the capacity to offer Africa an alternative kind of leadership at the moment by being a strong Pan-African with key credentials that when properly utilized will help make a difference in the continental leadership.
Also Read: Raila Reveals Details of Meeting with Museveni & Ruto
“What most of our politicians are pronouncing themselves on might undermine our chances of getting the job and it is time we pull together and provide a united front for the sake of putting Kenya on the map of Africa and the globe,” said Mudavadi.
Odinga cleared
Raila Odinga received a major boost after the African Union Executive Council paved way for his candidature in AUC chairmanship elections.
The council on Friday, March 15, unanimously agreed that it is the turn of the Eastern Africa region to submit candidates for the position.
A statement from Mudavadi’s office indicated that the decision is in accordance 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.
