Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has received a significant boost.
This is after Mauritius’s candidate in the race, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, dropped out and the country’s Prime Minister, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, announced they are now backing Raila.
Pauline Njoroge, a key member of Raila’s campaign team, said Ramgoolam conveyed his country’s decision during a phone call with President William Ruto.
"Mauritius, which had submitted a candidate for AUC chairmanship will now support Raila Odinga’s bid. This was communicated today by the new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, during a phone call with President Ruto," Njoroge stated.With Gayan having dropped out, the race has now narrowed to only three aspirants – Raila, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Raila and Youssouf are perceived as the top contenders of the seat in the elections slated for February 2025.