Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang'ula has revealed President William Ruto's message to Raila Odinga on his bid to become the chairperson of the African Union Commission.
In a video shared on his social media page on Monday, February 26, Wetang'ula noted that Ruto had made it clear that he was ready to support his candidature.
The former Bungoma Senator pointed out that Ruto insisted that the post would be critical to the country and not just for Raila's personal gain.
However, he insisted that Raila must advocate and champion the country's interests if supported to clinch the seat.
Read More
At the same, Wetang'ula told the audience that Ruto had advised Raila to focus on the job and allow him and other leaders to take over the leadership mantle.
"Now Raila wants to go to Addis Ababa and he cannot get there without the support and blessings of the government. President William Ruto has said that the job is not for Raila but for the country and will serve the country when he gets there.
"What he has done on the local scene is enough. Let him leave the rest for us to accomplish," Wetang'ula stated.
His message comes a day after Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed Ruto's unwavering support for Raila. Duale announced that Ruto had shelved political differences to back Raila.
“We have decided in one accord that like our fellow Kenyans, we support Raila, who is looking for the job and who is overqualified for the position,” Duale said.
“President William Ruto is not a petty leader, he is a national leader. And for that reason, he will lead from the front in ensuring that Raila clinches the seat.”
The AUC chairperson is the topmost official of the continental bloc as he/she acts as the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU, and the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer.
The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.
Their functions include: overseeing the Commission’s administration and finances, promoting and popularising the AU’s objectives and enhancing its performance, consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders, and appointing and managing Commission staff.
They also act as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.
