As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections approach on February 15th and 16th, Kenya has reaffirmed its unwavering support for The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s bid for the Chairmanship.
In a bold diplomatic push, Kenya remains optimistic about Odinga’s chances despite the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently backing Madagascar’s candidate, H.E. Richard Randriamandrato.
Raila Odinga has led a vigorous and strategic campaign over the past few months, personally engaging with over 40 African Heads of State. His candidacy has garnered widespread support, including full endorsement from the East African Community (EAC), key pan-African allies, and friends of Kenya.
This broad-based backing reflects confidence in his ability to lead the African Union towards greater unity, economic transformation, and institutional efficiency.
The Government of Kenya, under President William Ruto’s leadership, is fully committed to ensuring Odinga’s victory. President Ruto, who also serves as the AU Champion on Institutional Reforms, has been at the forefront of rallying support for Odinga, emphasizing the strategic alignment between Odinga’s leadership vision and his own reform agenda.
A Raila Odinga-led AUC would strongly complement President Ruto’s efforts to make the AU more effective, responsive, and people-centered.
In an extraordinary display of patriotism, thousands of Kenyans, including members of the Kenyan diaspora in Ethiopia, have converged in Addis Ababa to stand in solidarity with Kenya’s official delegation.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that Kenya’s official delegation remains standard-sized in line with diplomatic protocols, and that any additional Kenyans present have traveled voluntarily at their own expense, demonstrating the true Kenyan spirit of love, peace, and unity.
However, Odinga’s path to victory faces a significant challenge following SADC’s endorsement of Madagascar’s candidate.
SADC, comprising 16 member states including influential countries such as South Africa, Angola, and Tanzania, represents a formidable voting bloc within the AU. This strategic move could potentially sway the election dynamics.
Despite this, Kenya remains confident that Odinga’s vast experience, pan-African credentials, and transformative vision will resonate with AU member states.
All eyes are on Addis Ababa
