NAIROBI, Kenya—Former prime minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the coveted African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has received a significant boost following the launch of a book on the subject.
Former Nyamira Senator Kennedy Mongare, on Monday, January 20, 2025, presented Raila with copies of his book titled The LAST GREAT BATTLE? RAILA ODINGA AND AUC CHAIRMANSHIP.
The senator was accompanied by Hon. Moses Ogeto, MCA, Kilimani Ward, Nairobi County Assembly.
“I thank Hon. Mongare for taking the time to put pen to paper and author this book in support of my bid to be the AUC Chairperson,” Raila posted on his official X account after receiving the copies of the book.
How Raila Odinga is ramping up his AUC campaigns
The seasoned opposition leader crisscrossed Southern Africa last week in an attempt to secure the position of chairman of the AUC.
President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia has hosted Raila during his campaigns thus far.
Additionally, he met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“H.E. President Emmerson Mnangagwa @edmnangagwa welcomed us with open arms when we arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe today. “It’s been a pleasure to discuss my candidature for the AUC Chairmanship and share my vision for Africa with the president,” Raila wrote on his official X account.
Angola and South Africa are two more nations in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that Raila has visited with his campaigns.
“SADC and North Africa are among a few countries that haven’t been reached, and so the candidate will be in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho this week, and then North Africa will follow,” Dr. Sing’oei said recently in a media interview.
Why Raila Odinga is heading to Northern Africa
In an attempt to win over the Arab countries, Raila is anticipated to set up camp in North Africa this week as the contest nears its conclusion.
The tour to Northern Africa is considered Raila’s home stretch in the campaigns to become the chairperson of the African Union, which consists of 55 member states.
Raila is anticipated to face Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti in the February 2025 elections.
The winner will replace Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing chairperson, who has held the position for two terms.
The next annual summit of the heads of state and government of the AU will include the elections for the next chairperson of the AUC.
