Two years after losing the presidency to William Ruto, veteran politician and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, Rt. Raila Odinga, is attempting to win the top continental seat. He has unsuccessfully attempted to win the presidency five times in the last three decades.
Raila Odinga ceremoniously unveiled his African Union chairmanship at Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, on November 8, 2024. The event was graced by various diplomats, except for his lead campaigner, President William Ruto.
Among the notable leaders who accompanied him to the launch were the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, who also happened to be the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Musali Mudavadi, and the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principle Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’oei.
His party affiliates, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the Minority Whip of the National Assembly, Hon. Junet Mohammed, and Narok Senator, Ledama Ole Kina, were present at the ceremony. The Majority Leader of the Senate, Hon. Aaron Cheruiyot, was also in attendance, among other diplomats and the campaign team.
“Today in Addis Ababa, I unveiled my vision and priorities for the African continent. I envision an Africa that is united, prosperous, competitive, peaceful, revered, and influential in the global arena. I envision a continent where industries flourish and cities are connected through high-speed rail, fiber optic cables, and data connectivity,” Raila posted on his X handle shortly after the Manisfesto lauch.
“An Africa that has open borders and skies, visa-free and free trade; this self-sustaining must lead this transformation, driving innovative with AI and skills hsping Afirca as a global leader,” he added.
In his vision, Raila Odinga is also looking forward to leading an “economically transformed Africa that harnesses its resources and ingenuity to become a global trade powerhouse, with the African Continental Free Trade Area fully realized to foster job creation and eliminate hunder.”
“Gender equality will be a lived reality where women and girls are empowered to lead across all sectors. With the cultural renaissance, we will celebrate our heirage while embracing modernity in African art, music, and literature, gaining more global recognition,” he added.
Four candidates have emerged at the center of this race for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson in the upcoming election scheduled for February 2025.
So far, Raila Odinga’s main opponent appears to be the Djiboutian, Mahamoud Ali Yousouf, currently serving as the Foreign Minister of Djibouti since 2005.
Richard Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Minister of Madagascar, and Anil Gaya, who have also served as the Former Minister of Mauritius, are also among the four contenders for the AUC chairperson.
The election will take place at the African Union summit in February 2025, whereby members will choose the successor to the current chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The election will be conducted by secret ballot, and the winner must secure two-thirds of votes from eligible member states. Prior to the election, a panel of experts will vet the candidates to assess their qualifications and vision for Africa. The candidates will also be subjected to a public televised debate to discuss their visions.
