Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | President William Ruto has expressed his gratitude to the leaders of the East African Community (EAC) for their unwavering support and participation in the official launch of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, President Ruto highlighted that the presence of EAC leaders at the event signifies a collective dedication to fostering unity and advancing progress within the region.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow leaders from East Africa for joining us at State House, Nairobi, for the launch of Kenya’s candidate; Hon. Raila Odinga for Chair of the African Union Commission. Your presence reflects our shared commitment to unity and progress in our region,” Ruto said.
The event saw the attendance of prominent figures, including Presidents Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Suluhu Samia of Tanzania, and Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan. Also in attendance were former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gen. (Rtd.) James Kabarebe, along with other heads of delegation.
President Ruto emphasized that the leaders of the East African Community (EAC) recognize the strength in collaboration and the importance of a unified regional voice. He noted that East Africa has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation on the continent.
Ruto expressed confidence that with Raila Odinga as the African Union Commission (AUC) chairman, East Africa could further advance its vision for a unified and prosperous Africa. He also highlighted that this leadership would significantly bolster the region’s contribution to the Pan-African agenda.
During the launch, Raila Odinga pledged to work towards unifying Africa and enhancing the African Union’s impact across the continent if given the opportunity to serve as chairman.
“Excellencies, I am ready to serve, my heart is ready, and my hands are steady, and with your support I shall get the opportunity to be of service to Africa,” said Raila Odinga.
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“I am here as the African Lion. I have been asleep in the jungles of the Congo. I am sitting on African gold, oil, diamond and copper ores. I have the ability to transform all these materials into wealth for the benefit of my people,” he added.
All the leaders in attendance expressed their support for former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Raila Odinga is contending for the position against several other candidates, including Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
