Editor's Review

"Many people have been surprised and wondering how I came to this," Raila Odinga.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has disclosed that he came up with the decision to run for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship after a long soul-searching.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, June 5, the former Prime Minister noted that some of his friends outside the nation approached him and told him he was the best candidate to take up the role.

"Many people have been surprised and wondering how I came to this. Many of my friends from outside Kenya approached me and told me that this position of AUC chairmanship would be vacant next year. We have looked around the continent and feel that among the people who may offer themselves, you have the best credentials to take this organization forward. After lots of soul-searching and consultations among my colleagues and friends, I made the decision to agree to accept the request," Raila remarked.

The Azimio leader further disclosed that after being the AU's High Representative for Infrastructure for five years, the post gave him an inside picture of what was happening inside the AU.

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Raila odinga.

Raila asserted that he had sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to move AU forward.

"I am a pan-Africanist and an Afro-optimist, those who believe in the ability of the African people to develop Africa. That Africa, the richest continent on earth in terms of resources, is also the poorest in terms of development. This is the paradox that we want to solve," Raila remarked.

The former Prime Minister added that he was pleasantly surprised when the government agreed to support his candidature for the position.

Raila exuded confidence in clinching the seat, maintaining that with commitment and proper coordination between his team and the government, he would secure the position.

The Azimio leader is seeking to take over from Moussa Faki Mahamat, who is serving in his second and last term as the AUC chairman.

Faki was first elected in 2017 before being re-elected in February 2021. The position holder serves for a 4-year term, which is only renewable once.

Elections for the next chairman will be held in 2025 during an AU Summit.