By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
President William Ruto officially launched Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission
While speaking in State House Nairobi where several heads of state and government were present President Ruto described Rt. Hon Raila Odinga is a visionary Pan-African leader who deserves the leadership of the AU Commission.
“I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful,” President Ruto said.
“Hon Odinga enjoys a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa’s possibilities and exemplary commitment to the cause of laying a robust foundation for Africa’s transformation in our time,” he added.
The deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua also showed support for Raila Odinga to take over as the AUC chairperson. He commended Mr. Odinga for his endurance over the years in Kenyan politics.
“Raila Odinga is known for his resilience, endurance, and perseverance. Today, we celebrate his transition from a national leader to an African statesman,” the DP said.
In a happy mood, the Deputy President made clarifications that he has no personal problems with Hon. Raila’s leadership but said it was only about the competition of the Presidency in the last general elections.
“As a truthful man, I had no issue with Raila Odinga’s leadership. The only problem was that he was competing for the same position as my boss. Now that he is running for a higher sit in Africa, all Kenyans are supporting him,” he added.
Hon. Raila Odinga accepted the nominations by the government of Kenya with humility and unveiled his plan to work with all leaders to the Commission great and people-centred.
“I plan to work with leaders to make the African Union Commission more people-centred and serve the interest of the vast majority of voiceless Africans. If elected the chair, I will use the transition period to analyze the existing proposals critically,” Hon. Raila said.
Mr. Odinga said that he has travelled the length and breadth of the African continent and seen the faces of Africa’s future. He further highlighted that his selection as Kenya’s AUC chair candidate is not about one man’s ambition, but a journey to serve the motherland.