Ruto meets African Presidents in China as he campaigns for Raila's AU Chairmanship bid

In separate meetings, the Kenyan leader met Presidents Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo and Assimi Goita (Mali), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Umaro Sissoco Embalo (Guinea-Bissau), Mahamat Idriss Deby (Chad) and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.

He expressed Kenya's commitment to enhance bilateral relations with these nations for the mutual benefit of the citizens.

He said Kenya will explore opportunities for increased diplomatic, trade and people to people ties with countries in the continent to enhance intra-African interactions and business.

President Ruto pointed out that African leaders are working together to reform the African Union and make it “fit for purpose” in order to serve the continent better. 

He pointed out that the African Union Commission is thus a critical institution of the African Union and it requires an effective, knowledgeable and experienced leadership.

The President told the leaders that Kenya had presented Mr Odinga's candidature for the position of the African Union Commission chairperson because he is an “accomplished pan-Africanist, a champion of integrated infrastructure and committed to peace and security in the continent.