The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has issued a statement on the announcement by Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga declaring his interest for the Chairperson role of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Speaking during a press conference on Saturday, February 17, UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala announced that the party has formally endorsed Odinga’s bid for the AUC job.
Malala, while describing the opposition chief as a luminary in African politics, stated that he deserves to be the next AUC chairperson given his vast experience in an array of fields.
“The right Honorable Raila Odinga is undoubtable an African luminary of unmatched capability. We join many across the continent in restating that Honorable Odinga deserved the AU chairmanship given his distinguished accolades and contribution to the social political landscape of the East African Region and Africa as a whole,” said Malala.
He further stated that the Kenya Kwanza government will support any Kenyan who wants to be the AU Chair, even if it is former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
UDA issues stance
According to Malala, Odinga played a significant role in the fight against imperialism across the African continent making him the best pick for Africa’s top job.
The statement by UDA is perhaps the clearest indication of the goodwill by the Kenya Kwanza administration in a bid to ensure Raila clinches position.
Also Read: How Raila’s AU Job Will Change 2027 Elections- Experts
This comes after reports indicated that President William Ruto has unveiled a committee, aimed at campaigning for Odinga’s candidature.
The committee, which draws members from the government, will be financed through the National Treasury.
It is set to recruit more officials from the opposition to strengthen the plan.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi while speaking in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on Friday announced that it was Eastern Africa’s time to take over the AU’s leadership.
“The Central, Southern and Western Africa regions have had their share since 2002, so it is now time for the Eastern and Northern Africa regions. Under the rotational rules, Eastern Africa has the first opportunity when the term of the current chair expires end of this year,” Mudavadi stated.
Raila endorsed
Also, a day after announcing his bid, the Azimio la Umoja coalition endorsed its leader for the position.
In a statement on February 16, 2024, the coalition announced its stance highlighting that it is an important opportunity for the region to head the AU Commission.
Also Read: Salary, Benefits and Powers Raila Stands to Enjoy as AU Boss
The coalition made a passionate appeal to the East African Community (EAC) members to support the bid.
“We call on all our compatriots to give bipartisan support and ensure that Mr. Odinga’s bid is successful. Mr. Odinga’s win will be a win for Kenya, the region and the continent,” Azimio noted.
Odinga has also received endorsement from various sectors including Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
The COTU boss threw his weight behind the opposition leader describing him as best fitted for the job and calling on the government to lobby for him.
“He would be unanimously elected in that particular position. I want to assure Raila Amollo Odinga of the support from the Organization of African Trade Union’s support for his bid,” said Atwoli.
Raila declared his bid to vie for the role in a press statement on February 15, flanked by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who endorsed him for the job noting that he was a man with experience.
