Ruto to formally launch Raila's AUC Chairmanship bid next week
President William Ruto will formally launch
Raila Odinga's African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship bid next week, Prime
Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced.
Speaking from his Railways Building office in
Nairobi on Wednesday, Mudavadi emphasised that Africa needs a leader of Mr. Odinga's calibre, further highlighting that President Ruto will officially
announce the former premiere's 2025 AUC Chairmanship bid on August 27.
"Next week, on August 27, 2024,
President William Ruto will be formally launching the candidacy of the Kenyan
candidate for the AUC Chairmanship, Raila Odinga," said Mudavadi.
Kenya, Mudavadi added, had earlier in June
submitted requisite documentation for Odinga's bid in line with requirements of
the African Union Secretariat.
"As you are aware, the government
dispatched a high level delegation led by the Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir
Sing'Oei, including Raila's strategy team. They officially launched the
application to the office of the legal counsel of the African Union through the
Dean of the Eastern region," said the Prime CS.
According to Mudavadi, the application
highlighted key challenges facing Africa's development agenda that the opposition
chief intends to address should he emerge victorious in the February 2025 AUC
Chairmanship polls.
"Odinga has outlined his vision for the
AUC which is hinged on various focal areas namely; African integration and
infrastructure development, economic transformation of the continent, intra-African
trade enhancement, financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate
action, peace and security, youth empowerment and gender equity and
equality," said the Prime CS.
He also announced that in line with African
Union (AU) requirements, Mr. Odinga will participate in a televised debate
broadcast live to African citizens before the AUC Chairmanship elections.
The debate, according to Mudavadi, who also
doubles as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs CS, will give Mr. Odinga the opportunity to
present his vision for Africa.
"Since 2017, the African Union has
requires that candidates participate in a televised debate, broadcast live to
African citizens before such polls. This is known as the Mjadala Debate. It
allows the candidate to outline their vision and how they will lead the
transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU mandate and
African agenda 2063,” he said.
"The debate also allows African citizens
and stakeholders to engage candidates on issues they want addressed. Our
candidate is undoubtedly experienced and well-prepared to participate in the
live debate and discuss how to propel the continent's growth and its goals of
integration and sustainable development."
The Prime CS, further urged Kenyans to
support Mr. Odinga's AUC Chairmanship bid.
"Just as we cheered our athletes in the
recent Olympics, let us lend our full support to Raila as he carries the Kenyan
flag high in the race for the AUC Chairmanship. This is more than a candidacy;
it is a national mission. Raila represents Kenya's votes, values and
aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him not
just as a government but as a united people," said Mudavadi.
Mr. Odinga, who was also in attendance,
expressed optimism about his bid, noting that his candidacy had been positively
received by both continental and global leaders.
He equally drummed up support for his bid,
highlighting the key economic challenges plaguing the continent that need
addressing.
"The AU needs to be strengthened in
order to realise the dreams of our founding fathers. As individual countries,
Africa is weak but as one united Africa we can have a much stronger
voice," he said.
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