President William Ruto has reiterated his call for support for former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chair.
Speaking at the opening of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Ruto insisted that Raila is the best candidate to lead the AUC, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership qualities.
“I urge you, as East Africans, to unite behind our former Prime Minister Raila Odinga so that he can provide the leadership our continent needs to reach the next level,” Ruto said.

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The African Union is set to elect a new chairperson in February 2025, following the expiry of Moussa Faki’s term. Raila will compete against Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Raila has been actively engaging with African heads of state to secure backing for his candidacy, with recent endorsements, including one from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.
President Ruto, who has strongly endorsed Raila’s candidacy, has mobilized state resources to ensure the former opposition leader’s success in securing the AUC Chair position.

Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.