President William Ruto has announced that Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Ambassador Elkana Odembo will lead Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) campaign secretariat.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 27 during the official launch of Raila’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson bid at State House Nairobi, President Ruto announced that Raila’s secretariat will include a diverse membership drawn from five regions of the African Union.
“To assist in making the case for Hon Odinga's candidature, I also unveil the secretariat, which will be led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Ambassador Elkana Odembo. It will also include a diverse membership drawn from the five regions of the African Union,” President Ruto announced.
The Head of State described Raila as a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat who will do what it takes to make Africa proud and powerful.
“I know that Hon Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials, but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission. Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership,” Ruto added.
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Raila on his part said he plans to work with leaders across the continent to make the African Union Commission more people-centered and serve the interest of the vast majority of voiceless Africans.
“I am ready to serve; my heart and hands are steady. With your support, I will get the opportunity to be of service to Africa, the cradle of mankind. I am made in Eastern Africa for Africa,” Raila remarked.
The event was attended by a number of Presidents and former Presidents including Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), and the Prime Minister of Burundi Gervais Ndirakobuca.
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also attended the event at State House.
