NAIROBI, Kenya—Raila Odinga’s campaign secretariat has announced that it will host a series of events in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday, November 8, 2024.
Key among them is to formally unveil him to the continent as the Republic of Kenya’s candidate for chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
In a statement seen by Y News, the Secretariat observed that the Addis event follows the August 27, 2024, official reception of Raila’s candidature in Nairobi.
“It is meant to provide a platform for the candidate to engage with core players, formations and partners of the AU,” the statement posted on Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party X account reads in part.
Why Raila Odinga will speak at the Addis Ababa forum
According to the Secretariat, Raila will use the forum to outline his Pan-African vision and priorities per the AU Agenda 2063.
“The candidate will crown the activities with a keynote address at the Grand Campaign Reception to be held at the AU Multipurpose Hall on the evening of November 8, 2024.
Y News understands that Raila’s candidacy is part of a broader strategy to enhance governance, peace, and security across the continent, alongside promoting Africa’s development agenda.
Raila’s experience as a prominent political leader in Kenya positions him as a potential candidate for this influential role within the African Union.
How William Ruto is supporting Raila Odinga’s AUC bid
President William Ruto has already taken the lead in supporting Raila’s application for the top position on the AU Commission, promising to safeguard the region’s interests.
This comes after the leaders of the East African Community decided to support Raila as a candidate for the position of chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission.
On Tuesday, August 29, 2024, President Ruto convened regional leaders at the State House in Nairobi to formally launch the former prime minister’s quest for the African Union Commission (AUC) presidency. President Ruto reaffirmed his unshakeable support for Raila’s candidature.
President Ruto expressed great confidence in Raila’s abilities to lead the AU Commission and praised him as a “veteran mobiliser for positive change.”
What are Raila Odinga’s plans for the African continent
He declared, “Raila is a renowned statesman whose unwavering commitment to democratic change as the cornerstone of lasting freedom and prosperity has sustained his longevity in leadership.”
Raila pledged to lead reforms in the continental body to obtain an AU Visa for accessible transit within the continent while speaking at the official launch of his candidature at State House Nairobi.
“My friend Aliko Dangote needs 35 visas to travel throughout the continent. Unfortunately, his French rival may enter Africa with a French passport without a visa,” Raila remarked.
“In Europe, all you need is a Schengen visa to travel throughout the continent without any issues. We’ll also ensure we get to the point where we can issue an AU visa and let people travel throughout the continent without any issues,” he continued.
