Raila does not need government support to get AU top job - Migori Senator

This comes amid reports that the political firebrand is taking a stab at the plump continental job as Chad's Moussa Faki, the current occupant of the position, is set to finish his term this year.

Speaking during an interview on Thursday with Citizen TV, Oketch said that Odinga does not need support from the government owing to his firm global networks that may catapult him to the position.

He argued that Odinga yields a bigger diplomatic and political respect than President William Ruto and hence does not need his support to win the position.

"If you look at the way AU selects their chairperson, there is no structure whatsoever that needs endorsement or mercy by a president," he argued.

"Raila has massive connections and respect across the globe. I can argue that today if you were to compare Raila Odinga and President Ruto in terms of respect Raila goes way above Ruto."

Oketch was rebutting an argument fronted by Kiliifi North MP Owen Baya that despite Odinga's polished profile and track record, he still requires goodwill from the government.

Baya opined that one of the requirements an individual requires to get a job as prominent as the AUC chairperson is their government's support.

"Raila needs to be able to talk to the government because our foreign missions and secretariat at AU will play a key role in determining who becomes the AU secretariat," said Baya.

Odinga has previously served as the African Union (AU) special envoy for infrastructure development in Africa.

He was appointed to the position on October 20, 2018, during the leadership of former president Uhuru Kenyatta and controversially exited in 2023.

Former Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Sports, Heritage and Culture Amina Mohamed is the only other Kenyan who attempted a stab at the AU Commission position in 2017 but lost the race to Faki.

AUC chairperson's role

The AUC chairperson is the topmost official of the continental bloc as he/she acts as the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU and the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer.

The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.

Their functions include: overseeing the Commission’s administration and finances, promoting and popularising the AU’s objectives and enhancing its performance, consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders and appointing and managing Commission staff.

They also act as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.