President William Ruto on Tuesday, August 27, officially launched Kenya's African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid at State House, Nairobi.
The Head of State unveiled former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the country's candidate for the chairmanship of the AUC seat.
President Ruto noted that Kenya would support Odinga's vision and leadership unreservedly.
"Odinga enjoys a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa's possibilities and exemplary commitment to the cause of laying a robust foundation for Africa’s transformation in our time," Ruto stated.
He added, "I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful."
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Speaking at State House, Odinga noted that he was ready for Africa and promised to introduce African Union Visas to ensure the free movement of people and goods within the continent.
“We are going to introduce African Union visas that can enable you to travel across the whole continent without the requirement to have any visas at all. We will make it easier for people to travel and trade within the content of Africa,” Odinga stated.
The Opposition leader highlighted four areas he would focus on if elected; economic transformation, financial Independence, enhancing intra-African trade, and Gender Equality And Equality.
The AUC chairperson elections will be held in January 2025 during the African Union Summit.
Odinga will face three candidates; Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
Video of Raila's speech at State House;
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