The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has expressed confidence that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will win the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson role.
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Kindiki further stated that President William Ruto is Raila’s strongest supporter ahead of the mid-February elections.
“After the elections, Ruto and Raila agreed that Kenya should have a candidate for the AUC chairperson position. Given their long-standing friendship, dating back to when Ruto was in ODM, they agreed that Raila should be Kenya’s candidate,” he explained.
“The first voter for Raila will be William Ruto. Ruto will be the chief agent and mobilizer,” Kindiki added.
During a development tour in Kisumu City, Kindiki reiterated their confidence in Raila’s victory, saying, “We are confident that Raila will be the next chair.”
Kindiki emphasized that Raila is qualified for the position and truly deserves the role.
Heads of state from across Africa are set to elect Moussa Faki Mahamat’s successor at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15-16.
Raila will compete against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the election.
This is the second time Kenya has put forward a candidate for the AUC chairperson, after nominating former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed for the position in 2016.
The chairperson is elected by the member states, excluding those under military rule. Of the 55 African countries, 48 are eligible to vote. A candidate needs a two-thirds majority of the votes cast to win.
The new AU chair will face the immense challenge of addressing Africa’s issues, including high poverty levels, overwhelming debt, insecurity, illiteracy, and inadequate healthcare.
A strong proponent of Pan-Africanism, Raila has outlined a bold vision for Africa. He is committed to accelerating the continent’s development and fostering its self-reliance, unity, and sustainability. He envisions an Africa overcoming its historical challenges and realizing its full potential through progressive leadership.
