Opposition leader Raila Odinga left the country on Thursday, May 22 for a mission in the United Kingdom.
According to his spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Raila was invited by Oxford Africa Society to deliver a keynote address at the University of Oxford.
“At the annual event, Mr. Odinga will deliver a lecture titled: Forging Africa’s Future: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal,” said Onyango in a statement to newsrooms.
“His address will feature key themes like political stability, economic growth, equity, democracy and social cohesion while highlighting stories of resilience and examples of renewal from across Africa,” Onyango added.
Odinga was accompanied for the Oxford University event by Prof. Makau Mutua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Nyando MP Jared Okello.
Raila AUC Position
The opposition leader is also expected to continue his campaigns for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Additionally, he is expected to explain his mission and vision for Africa if elected as the chairperson of the Africa Union Commission.
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The AUC chairperson election will be held in February 2025.
On March 15, Raila was cleared to vie for the position after the Africa Union Executive Council unanimously agreed that it was turn for Eastern Africa region to submit candidates.
According to a 2018 decision, the position is rotational and therefore, the next AUC chairperson should come from the Eastern African region.
AUC Position Support
East African Community (EAC) urged all its member states to mobilize support for Raila’s bid adding that he has the experience needed to run the affairs of the continent.
Speaking on February 29, Raila said he had the support from six presidents and will intensify campaigns to convince more.
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Among the presidents were President William Ruto (Kenya), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Felix Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and South Sudan’s Salva Kir.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame also endorsed Raila for the AU job citing his vast experience and sacrifices for Kenya.
Profile of Raila
Raila has served in high-ranking positions in the public service including as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, as a Minister, and the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata between 1993 and 2011.
He has unsuccessfully vied for the presidency five times.
The former Prime Minister also attended the University of Leipzig, Germany.
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