Raila: My plan to transform Africa if I win AUC chairperson seat

Speaking during the launch of Kenya's AUC bid in State House on Tuesday, Odinga stated that he is privy to the demanding nature of the position's mandate and is willing to take the bull by its horns.

"My selection to be Kenya's candidate is not a one man's ambition but an African's journey to serve the motherland. Indeed I plan to constitute my cabinet of chairpersons with a continental outlook," said Odinga.

"I'm ready to serve. My heart is ready and my hands are steady and with your support, I shall get the opportunity to serve Africa."

Odinga noted that he will take keen interest in creating a borderless continent to allow the much-needed free movement of Africans within the "cradle of mankind".

"I dream of an Africa where those borders and colonial languages no longer divide us. From the hills of Kenya to the deserts of the Sahara and Kalahari, from the lakes of the Great Rift to the rainforests of Central Africa, Africans have to be one, its resilience, and hope for a bright future transmitted to our young people," he noted.

The political premier also vowed to introduce fair terms for carbon emissions, arguing that Africa suffers the most in penalties yet it is the least global emitter.

"Africa is a victim of climate change. Africa suffers from drought and floods yet Africa has emitted very little of the carbon gases that is polluting the world," he said.

"Africa needs to be compensated and this cannot come if Africa negotiates as individual countries."

Odinga maintained that he will champion the appropriate use of the vast resources Africa shares and tame exploitation from outside players.

"We need to make sure that Africa uses the resources that it has effectively. We need to also ensure that Africa trades with this wealth," he said.

Odinga will be depending on support from African Heads of State as he will be contesting against Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf Odinga will be depending on support from African Heads of State as he will be contesting against Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, a candidate from Mauritius and another from the island of Madagascar. 

Somalia’s former deputy prime minister and current member of the Federal Parliament Fawzia Yusuf who had thrown her hat in the ring withdrew her bid on August 9 and threw her weight behind Odinga.

In May 2024, the AU Executive Council ratified a decision to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson while the Deputy Chairperson to be elected from Northern Africa.

The AUC chairperson's elections will take place in 2025 as Chad's Moussa Faki, the current chairperson, will exit after his two-term tenure.

Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Felix Tshisekedi (Congo) among others have assured Odinga of their support.

Prominent African leaders including former Nigerian president Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ and Tanzania's ex-president Jakaya Kikwete have also promised their unwavered support.