Kenya is seeking AU position for political reasons – Ambassador Martin Kimani

After the official unveiling by President William Ruto on August 27, diplomatic experts and political analysts have weighed in on Raila’s chances of winning and the strong competition he faces from Djibouti’s Ali Youssou. 

Chiming into the conversation on Sunday, Ambassador Martin Kimani, the former Head of Kenya's Mission to the United Nations (UN) has described the bid as a politically motivated course as Kenya would only have the prestige of leading the commission. 

“Kenya is seeking this position not due to technocratic reasons but political ones. Kenya wants to promote Raila Odinga because of his political profile, because of our internal political dynamics,” said Ambassador Kimani. 

“It will be an indication of the Ruto administration’s ability to win a continental race, something which Kenya has struggled to do since we won the non-permanent member position in the Security Council,” he added. 

Raila’s campaigns have kicked off with debates on his possibility to clinch the seat considering his worthy competitor Youssou is an experienced diplomat, with likely huge support from Francophone and Islamic nations. 

Already, Kenya’s candidate has received endorsements from Uganda, South Sudan and Tanzania, whose Heads of State witnessed the unveiling of his candidature in Nairobi.