Kenya has officially unveiled Raila Odinga as its candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The Tuesday, August 27 event was presided over by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi and graced by several presidents, including Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Samia Suluhu of Tanzania.
When he took to the podium, Raila expressed his gratitude for the endorsement and unveiled his plan for Africa should he clinch the coveted seat in the elections slated for February 2025.
First, if elected, Raila said he would make the African Union (AU) more people-centered and serve the interests of the vast, voiceless majority of Africans.
If elected, Raila said he would utilise the transition period to critically analyse the existing proposals for reforms and build the capacity of the AU Commission. He said he would follow up on the implementation of the reports so far formulated.
With the African Development Bank report indicating that Africa accounts for eleven of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in the world, Raila pledged to use his position as the AUC chair to complement the efforts made by heads of state for the continent to continue growing economically.
Raila further said he plans to work with African presidents to integrate Africa. He noted that it was unfortunate some forces were trying so hard to separate African countries.
"I have travelled the length and breadth of this beautiful continent, and I have seen the faces of Africa’s future. They are the faces of our children, full of hope and energy, and unbound by the borders of yesterday. I dream of an Africa where those borders and colonial languages no longer divide us," said Raila.Raila said he will constitute his “Cabinet of the Chairperson” with a continental outlook to foster unity.
"I am 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 am made in Eastern Africa for Africa," he added.