In a grand ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto officially launched Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.
The event, marked by vibrant displays of support and unity, was attended by several high-profile African leaders, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir. Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria were also in attendance, adding to the event’s significance. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, though absent, was represented by Minister of State in charge of Regional Cooperation, James Kabarebe.
In his address, President Ruto praised Odinga as a visionary Pan-African leader with the qualities needed to lead the continent into a new era of prosperity and unity. “I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful,” said President Ruto.
Highlighting Odinga’s longstanding commitment to Pan-Africanism, President Ruto noted, “Odinga enjoys a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa’s possibilities and an exemplary commitment to laying a robust foundation for Africa’s transformation in our time.”
Raila Odinga, in his speech, expressed his readiness to take on the role and serve Africa with dedication. “I dream of an Africa where the borders of colonial languages no longer divide us. I don’t want Africans to be divided as Anglophones, Francophones, Lusophones—I want them to be Africaphones,” Odinga said, emphasizing his vision for a more united continent. “I’m ready to serve, my heart is ready, my hands are steady, and with your support, I shall get the opportunity to be of service to Africa, the cradle of mankind. I’m made in Eastern Africa, for Africa,” he added.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also spoke at the event, drawing parallels between Odinga and iconic African leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah. “Raila Odinga will join the ranks of Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah in pushing the agenda for Africa,” Gachagua stated. He further affirmed the broad support Odinga enjoys within Kenya, saying, “As a man who listens to the ground, let me confirm to you, Raila Odinga, that all Kenyans across the political divide, across communities, are in support of your candidature.”
Odinga’s campaign team includes a group of seasoned diplomats and professionals, such as former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, former Kenyan ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Prof. Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu. Together, they are strategizing to secure Odinga’s election as AUC Chair, replacing Chad’s Moussa Faki, whose term is set to end early next year.
Odinga’s bid represents not just a personal ambition but a broader vision for Africa’s future, with promises of unity, economic growth, and stronger continental ties under his leadership.
