NAIROBI, Kenya – Raila Odinga’s digital communication strategist, Pauline Njoroge, has offered a rare glimpse into her experience working on Raila Odinga’s campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairpersonship, describing it as an eye-opening journey in international diplomacy.
In a detailed reflection, Njoroge recounted how Odinga personally invited her to join his campaign team in August 2024.
The opposition leader, known affectionately as “Baba,” was preparing for the high-stakes continental race and sought her expertise in strategic communications.
“I was totally overwhelmed and very grateful to be offered the opportunity to serve a great man whom I truly respect and admire, and the country in a critical diplomatic assignment,” she shared.
One evening in August 2024, Baba called and asked me to go to his office the following morning. When we met, he explained that his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson was about to officially kick off, and he wanted me to join the team to support…
Lessons from a Statesman
Working closely with Odinga, Njoroge said she gained a deeper understanding of Africa’s integration challenges and opportunities.
She compared the experience to an intensive course in International Development and Foreign Affairs, surpassing what she had learned in formal studies.
Odinga’s campaign, she noted, was anchored on his vision for a more unified Africa—one that could match Europe’s level of integration.
He emphasized the need for a common visa, open skies, a single market, and free movement of people as foundational steps toward a stronger African Union.
“He had identified areas where he could mobilize Heads of State for action, targeting quick wins such as a common visa and infrastructure interconnectedness,” Njoroge said, adding that Odinga viewed these as stepping stones toward larger goals like a common currency and a more influential Pan-African Parliament.
Africa’s Untapped Potential
According to Njoroge, Odinga frequently pointed out Africa’s immense but underutilized potential.
He cited China as an example of how a skilled workforce, a vast domestic market, and access to raw materials can fuel industrial and economic growth.
“Africa has a huge market of over 1.2 billion people, is endowed with valuable natural resources, and has a youthful population that could drive transformation if equipped with the right skills,” she explained.
One evening in August 2024, Baba called and asked me to go to his office the following morning. When we met, he explained that his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson was about to officially kick off, and he wanted me to join the team to support…
However, she acknowledged that deep-seated national interests and colonial-era borders continue to slow down efforts like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Odinga, she said, was committed to breaking these barriers by fostering political goodwill across the continent.
A Missed Opportunity for Africa
Despite Odinga’s credentials and his push for meaningful reform, the AUC chairpersonship ultimately went to another candidate, marking Kenya’s second unsuccessful bid for the position in recent years.
Reflecting on the outcome, Njoroge described it as a missed opportunity—not just for Kenya, but for Africa as a whole.
She likened it to 2017 when Kenya’s nominee, Amina Mohamed, lost despite being widely regarded as highly qualified.
“Yesterday, Africa yet again lost a chance to have a visionary leader leading it into the next frontier,” she lamented.
While conceding defeat, both Odinga and President William Ruto have accepted the results and wished the newly elected chairperson success in the role.
For Njoroge, the campaign may not have ended in victory, but the lessons learned and the vision Odinga championed remain significant.
