Editor's Review

 Before we rolled out his candidature for the African Union, we went to President Museveni as the elder of our region - Ruto. 

President William Ruto has continued to rally for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairmanship role. 

Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County on Thursday, January 2, he explained that Raila's bid is not just a Kenyan initiative but one that has the endorsement of East African leaders. 

Ruto added that the decision to back Raila was the result of thorough consultations with leaders from across the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

"Raila Odinga is not a candidate for Kenya, he is a candidate for East Africa. Before we rolled out his candidature for the African Union, we went to President Museveni as the elder of our region, we spoke to all the East African Heads of State and we confirmed that we had the right candidate with the right credentials to be able to champion, the unity, the progress and the success of Africa as a continent," he remarked. 

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File image of  Yoweri Museveni, William Ruto, and Raila Odinga

Raila announced his candidacy for the Chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC) in February 2024, with the election scheduled for February 2025. 

Raila, who previously served as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023, is campaigning on a platform promising social and economic transformation across the continent. 

He has been actively supporting Raila's bid by engaging in diplomatic efforts to rally backing from other African nations, emphasizing Odinga's extensive experience and vision for Africa's future. 

Additionally, Ruto has called for unified support from the EAC for Raila's AUC bid, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity in achieving continental goals. 

“I call upon all EAC Partner States to rally behind his candidacy. A united East Africa supporting his bid will not only demonstrate our collective resolve but also affirm our commitment to shaping the future of our continent,” he said.