President William Ruto launched former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.

Ruto endorsed Raila stating that he is a highly qualified, experienced and competent candidate to succeed Moussa Faki as the next AUC chairperson.

“I know that Hon Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials, but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission,” Ruto said.

“Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision and his leadership.”

Among the Heads of State present at the event included President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

Burundi Prime Minister General Gervais Ndirakobuca and James Kaberebe, Minister of States for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda are also in attendance.

Other key leaders include former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo and former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete.

About AUC

AUC is the Union’s secretariat and undertakes the day-to-day activities of the Union.   

The AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will be done during the upcoming AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this month.

Faki won the seat for the first time in 2017 beating the then Kenyan Foreign CS Amina Mohamed who was backed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.

Election is by secret ballot and a two-thirds majority of Member States eligible to vote.

Should the former Prime Minister succeed, he will become the first Kenyan to hold the position.

This will see him play an important role in the day-to-day operations of the AU.

Also Read: Raila Declares Bid to Vie for Top African Union Job

AU Chairperson Roles

If Raila is elected, he will have the privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and legal representative of the AU.

Raila will also serve as the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer tasked with the overall responsibility for the Commission’s administration and finances.

He will also promote and popularize the AU’s objectives and enhance its performance.

The Kenya’s opposition leader will also be consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders like Member States and Development Partners.

The Kenya will appoint and manage the Commission’s staff and act as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.

He will be directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his or her duties.

Also Read: Raila Opposes Ruto’s Plan to Create New Government Post

Raila Benefits

This is a diplomatic job with a basic monthly salary of $15,576.75 (Ksh.2.1 million), $250 (Ksh.35,000) monthly allowance per child, rental budget of $6,000 (Ksh.840,000) and 100 percent school fee payment for every eligible child of the official in Africa.

If the child studies in Europe or North America, they will enjoy $15,000 (Ksh.2.1 million) fee per year.

Structure

The Commission is composed of a chairperson, deputy chairperson, eight commissioners plus staff.

The Executive Council elects the eight AUC Commissioners, who are appointed by the Assembly.

Commission members’ terms are for four years, renewable once.

Elections and terms are governed by the AU Assembly Rules of Procedure the Executive Council Rules of Procedure and the Commission Statutes.