Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant move towards securing the prestigious position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Azimio leader Raila Odinga signed off his application documents today. The event, held in Nairobi, was attended by key figures including Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Azimio spokesperson Makau Mutua.
Raila Odinga, who has been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics for decades, expressed his confidence and determination in a statement on his social media platform. “I signed off my AUC Chair application documents, we are focused on bringing the seat home for Kenya and serving the African people,” he stated1.
The African Union Commission has set August 6, 2024, as the deadline for the submission of candidacies. Each candidate is required to submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae in six languages: English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kiswahili1.
The Kenyan government has shown strong support for Raila’s bid, with President William Ruto backing his candidacy. A campaign secretariat led by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has been established to garner regional and continental support2.
Raila’s application marks a significant step in his political career, aiming to succeed Moussa Faki, whose term ends in February 2025. The government is actively working to ensure Raila’s success, with outreach programs and a public debate planned to engage African citizens six months before the election date2.
As the race for the AUC Chair heats up, Raila Odinga’s candidacy brings hope and anticipation for Kenya’s potential leadership role in the African Union.
