The official launch of Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid is currently underway at State House, Nairobi.
Top African leaders have joined President William Ruto in gracing the event.
Among the leaders attending the event are Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu and her South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir, who is also the chairman of the East African Community.
Suluhu arrived in the country on Tuesday morning, August 27, and was welcomed by Lands CS Alice Wahome, while Kiir arrived on Monday evening and was welcomed by Trade CS Salim Mvurya.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni is also attending the ceremony, alongside Burundi's Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca.
Read More
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo are also in attendance.
Rwanda is being represented in the ceremony by her Minister of States for Foreign Affairs, James Kaberebe.
Raila is seeking to replace the outgoing AUC chairman, Moussa Faki, whose term is coming to an end after serving in the position for two terms.
The former Prime Minister is among the four candidates who are contesting for the position.
He will face Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
The AUC elections will be held in February 2025 during an African Union Summit.