Kenyan ambassadors across the continent are under instructions from President William Ruto to popularize Raila Odinga’s Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship to ensure he clinches the seat come February 2025.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the envoys, including retired emissaries, have been directed to make use of their contacts in the different African countries to give impetus to the campaign.
“The envoys and those of us who have worked in the foreign affairs docket have instructions from the president to make use of our immense contacts across the continent of Africa to ensure Raila sails through,” he said.
Wetang’ula asked the envoys to popularize Raila Odinga’s bid through their respective bids, adding that the government will make every effort to ensure that he wins the seat.
Speaking at Rabuor Primary School in Kisumu County during the homecoming ceremony for Kenya’s ambassador to Egypt Fred Outa, the Speaker said Raila Odinga was not a candidate by himself, but was being fronted and supported by the government to make the bid a success.
On his part, Outa, who thanked President Ruto for the appointment, said he was going to do everything possible through his mission in North Africa state to deliver victory for Raila.
“This is a directive from the appointing authority and we are taking it very seriously. Next week I will be traveling to Eritrea to plead with the president to support Raila Odinga’s bid,” he said.
He urged his colleagues across the continent to take the campaign seriously to deliver victory for Raila and Kenya.
If successful, Raila Odinga will replace former Chad Prime Minister Moussa Faki whose term comes to an end in February.