Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his backing for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
In a statement on Friday, February 14, Gachagua asserted that the former Prime Minister is the ideal candidate for this leadership position.
He emphasized that Odinga’s success in the AUC elections would symbolize his commitment to Pan-Africanism, benefiting both Kenya and the continent’s development.
“Gachagua declared, ‘Kenya’s finest, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, is undoubtedly the best choice for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Africa deserves the best. Raila embodies a worldview that champions the interests of African people. We need strong leadership, like Raila Odinga, to unite Anglophone and Francophone nations for a promising future on the continent.
His victory in Addis Ababa would solidify his dedication to the Pan-African spirit he has long supported and would be a progressive step for Africa, ultimately benefiting Kenya, our homeland. ‘”
Raila concluded his campaign in Bujumbura, Burundi, on Wednesday, ahead of the elections scheduled for Saturday, February 15, in Addis Ababa during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
He will compete against Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato in the race.
To secure the AUC chairmanship, Raila must achieve a two-thirds majority vote from the 55 member states, which requires 33 votes.
In a setback, Raila faced opposition on Wednesday when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) endorsed Randriamandrato.
The SADC Secretariat announced this decision followed an August 2024 meeting in Zimbabwe that aimed to consolidate regional support for a unified candidate.
It noted that the decision was influenced by the withdrawal of Mauritius’s candidate, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, leaving Madagascar as the sole contender from the SADC bloc.
“The SADC secretariat stated, ‘This letter serves to encourage SADC Member States to support Mr. Richard J. Randriamandrato, a candidate from our region, for the position of AUC Chairperson during the upcoming elections for the Senior Leadership of the African Union Commission, in line with the August 2024 Council decision. ‘”
