Kenya officially submits Raila's name for AU chairmanship

Kenya submits Raila Odinga's nomination for AU Commission Chairperson to the continent's Eastern Region Dean in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.[Photo, courtesy]

Kenya has formally submitted the candidature of Raila Odinga for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

The submission was made on Monday July 29, by Korir Singoei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs. He was accompanied by George Orina, Kenya's Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union as well as other key members of the Secretariat.

The AUC chairperson elections are scheduled to be held during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa in February 2025.

No Kenyan has served as the Secretary-General or Chairperson of the Organization since it was formed in 1963.

"This decision [to submit Odinga's name] is informed by Mr. Odinga's Pan-Africanist credentials, his suitability, his vast networks across Africa and his proven competence to lead AUC - Africa's premier continental organization," Sing'oei said.

The PS highlighted that Odinga had a history observing elections and serving as a peace mediator in Africa.

He noted that Odinga had served as Prime Minister as well as in various Ministerial portfolios and importantly as the High Representative of the AUC Chairperson on Infrastructure which would make him suitable for the position.

"The remarkable life and exemplary career experiences of Raila Odinga make him a perfect fit to sit at the helm of the AUC to drive Africa's transformation and Agenda 2063. He embodies high ethical standards and unparalleled integrity and well-honed diplomatic skills. He is an ardent champion of African unity, intra-African trade and integration, and infrastructural connectivity," he added.

If successful, Odinga aims to harness Africa's resources to promote shared prosperity and address pressing continental challenges, including integration, infrastructure development, economic transformation, intra-African trade, and financial independence.