With the campaign to lead the African Union Commission already underway, Kenya’s president William Ruto has been singing the praise of his compatriot and former political arch-rival Raila Odinga as a possible successor to Moussa Faki Mahmat.
Current AUC chairperson Mahmat who replaced Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in January 2017 is stepping down this year and the election for the fifth chair will be held in February 2025.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is among three candidates vying to replace Mr Mahamat to head the AUC as its chief executive officer and lead administrator.
The others are Mahmoud Ali Youssef of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
The three pretenders to the AUC chairperson position have been presenting their case in front of the body since last month ans Raila is reportedly the favourite to sweep the polls next month.
Speaking at a cultural event on Thursday, President Ruto claimed Odinga has what it takes to champion the unity and progress of the African continent because he rekindles the Pan-Africanist spirit.
The Kenyan leader who is championing the campaign for Odinga’s election to head the continental organisation, said his compatriot’s candidature continues to receive tremendous support owing to his proven track record as a pan-Africanist.
Ruto was full of praise for his former political nemesis describing him as a candidate for the whole of East Africa where he enjoys the backing of all its countries.
“Before we rolled out his candidature for the African Union, we went to President Museveni as the elder of our region, we spoke to all the East African heads of state and we confirmed that we had the right candidate with the right credentials to be able to champion the unity, the progress and the success of Africa as a continent” he added.
Ruto expressed confidence that Mr Odinga’s leadership will foster peace across the continent, effectively manage conflicts and unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
“We are very confident that the successful bid of Hon Raila is going to see the fortunes of our continent change for the better going into the future,” he said.
The Kenyan leader was speaking during the 4th edition of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni who was the chief guest at the cultural event also chimed in about Odinga, saying the East African region would back the former prime minister to beat his challengers.
Museveni also pointed out that those in positions of power across Africa have the authority to effect meaningful change in the continent.
“He will help us in brainstorming, but the real power is with us. We are in charge of these states. We are the ones who can say we move and we move,” the Ugandan leader said.
President Ruto rooted for African integration, noting that territorial boundaries should not serve as roadblocks to trade and investment between and among countries.
Instead, he said, nations must collaborate for the greater good of the continent.
“There cannot be a successful Kenya without a thriving East Africa,” the President said.
His sentiments were echoed by President Museveni, who called on African countries to work towards unity of purpose and ensure inclusive growth and shared prosperity across the continent.
President Museveni emphasised the need to revisit the historical priorities of the continent, which he identified as the creation of prosperity for the people, establishment of strategic security against all threats and promotion of the integration of the African continent.
WN/as/APA