The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
President William Ruto has expressed confidence that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will secure the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
Ruto stated that Raila’s candidacy has made significant progress and garnered considerable support thus far. He revealed that before launching Raila’s bid, they consulted with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and other East African Community (EAC) heads of state, who affirmed that Raila was the right candidate.
Raila is competing to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat as AUC chairperson. In his campaign, he has met with global delegations and visited various heads of state to build strong support for the highly contested election.
Raila will face competition from Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. The election is set to take place in February 2025 during the African Union Summit.
Ruto emphasized that Raila’s candidacy is not just for Kenya, but for the entire East African Community. Speaking at the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya County, Ruto expressed confidence that a successful bid by Raila would bring positive change to Africa.
He added that Raila’s qualifications and extensive experience as a pan-African leader would be invaluable. Ruto also encouraged EAC member states to preserve their cultures and traditions, noting that a successful nation begins with strong families and communities.
Additionally, Ruto announced that the government has officially gazetted two cultural heritage sites in Siaya: Ramogi Hill Forest Reserve and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum. He mentioned that seven other sites of historical, cultural, and traditional importance in Siaya are being evaluated for possible gazettement.
