Kenya’s last push: Mudavadi rallies Africa to back Raila for AUC Chairmanship

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has asked the African nations to vote for the Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga as the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson so as to ensure the fast-tracking of peace and stability of the continent.

Mudavadi said Raila is a pan Africanist who has a vast knowledge of Africa and its political dynamics and would offer the required leadership to the continent at this hour of need.

The PCS was addressing the media on the sidelines of the AU 46th Session of the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he noted that Africa needs a resolute and strong-willed leader at a time when there exist a number of conflicts.

"There are conflicts in some parts of Africa, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, and challenges here and there. What we need is a leader who is ready to confront the issues, Raila stands out and is ready for the task," said Mudavadi.

He said Raila is a seasoned politician who has the experience to confront the issues affecting the continent and is ready to begin his assignment immediately after his election on Saturday.

Mudavadi warned the continent against any possible procrastination of choosing the AUC Chair because the continent needs immediate intervention on peace and conflicts resolution.

"If we do not get the chairperson of the AUC on Saturday at a time when some African countries were in turmoil, we will send a picture of being weak, confused and indecisive at a critical juncture. Africa needs a decisive voice," said the PCS.

According to the rules of the elections, there will be several votes before the AUC chair is picked and failure of the final candidate to garner two-thirds votes could force the Summit to postpone the vote to July this year.

Currently there are three candidates for the AUC chair including Raila, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

Mudavadi noted that the former Prime Minister is acutely aware of the challenges currently facing the continent and is ideally positioned to propose sustainable solutions for the betterment of African citizens.

“Under his tenure, Raila’s agenda will be to scale up efforts to bridge the infrastructural development gap, integration, economic transformation, enhancing intra Africa trade through African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace, security, youth empowerment, and gender equity & equality in the continent,” he stated.

Mudavadi exuded confidence that Raila will emerge victorious in the Saturday polls, noting President William Ruto, himself and Raila had done all they could to win the seat for Kenya.

"In the remaining days, we will continue asking for a vote here and there, we are not taking chances until when the last vote is counted and victory given to us," said Mudavadi.

The PCS dismissed claims that the government was ferrying people to Addis Ababa in anticipation of Raila’s victory, noting that patriotic Kenyans and supporters of Raila were traveling privately to give moral support to the former Prime Minister.

“We have been informed that tens of people and possibly in their hundreds were scheduled to privately travel to Addis Ababa, including those who will be using buses. It reflects patriotism. This will not be a Raila victory but that of Kenya as a whole,” said the PCS.

He said there are some few Kenyans with negative energy who are hoping that the Kenyan candidate fails, noting that they will be disappointed.