Kenya has formally submitted the requisite documentation of Azimio leader Raila Odinga for his bid to become the chair of the African Union Commission (AUC).
In a statement on Monday, July 29, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said he submitted Odinga’s documents to the Dean of Eastern Region, Dharmraj Busgeeth.
“Under the authority of the Government of Kenya and as per the Statutes and Rules of the African Union Commission, we have today formally submitted requisite documentation of Kenya's nominee for the Chairmanship of African Union, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, to the Dean of Eastern Region, H.E. Dharmraj Busgeeth, Ambassador of Mauritius,” said Sing’Oei.
The Foreign Affairs PS was accompanied by Kenyan Ambassador to Ethiopia George Orina, Professor Makau Mutua, and Ambassador Elkanah Odembo.
This comes a day after Odinga signed off his AUC Chair application documents at his residence in Karen, Nairobi.
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The former Prime Minister on February 15 announced his interest in replacing current AUC chairperson Moussa Faki when his term ends in February 2025.
Odinga has so far been supported by over eight heads of state, including Kenya's William Ruto, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
In a statement after Odinga’s AUC candidature was submitted the State Department for Foreign Affairs noted that Kenya fronted the former Prime Minister due to his pan-Africanist credentials, suitability, and his vast networks across Africa.
“Kenya has offered the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the position of AUC Chairperson. This decision 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.
“He has served as Prime Minister and in various Ministerial portfolios and importantly as the High Representative of the AUC Chairperson on Infrastructure. He has observed several elections in Africa and has served as a peace mediator in several countries,” read the statement in part.
The department noted that the African continent is endowed with vast human and natural resources that have yet to be fully harnessed for the benefit of its people and needs a leader like Odinga to unlock the potential.
The foreign affairs department mentioned that Odinga has formulated priorities and strategies to address the continent's most pressing challenges, including African integration and infrastructure development, economic transformation, boosting intra-African trade and financial independence.
Others are gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace and security, and a youth empowerment agenda for Africa.
“Kenya seeks the support of all AU Member States and remains committed to continue playing its role at the regional, continental, and multilateral levels in the pursuit of Africa's priorities and aspirations,” the department added.
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