President William Ruto has expressed optimism that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will secure the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
Raila is vying to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, with elections set for February 2025 during the African Union Summit.
Speaking during the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya County on Thursday, Ruto highlighted the significant progress Raila’s candidature has made. He noted that it has received immense support across the East African region and beyond.
“Before we rolled out his candidature, we consulted Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni as an elder and engaged all East African Community (EAC) heads of state. We confirmed we had the right candidate,” Ruto said.
Raila is competing against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
Ruto emphasized that Raila’s candidacy is not just for Kenya but represents the East African Community as a whole.
“We are confident that his credentials, proven track record as a pan-African leader, and his vision will be of immense value to the continent,” he added.
The President further stated that a successful Raila bid would transform Africa’s fortunes, underlining his belief that Raila’s leadership would strengthen the African Union’s position globally.
In addition to backing Raila, Ruto urged EAC member states to preserve their cultural heritage, noting that strong communities are the foundation of successful nations.
“As we build on our roots, we must ensure we have successful families, communities, nations, and a progressive region,” he remarked.
Ruto also announced that the government had gazetted two cultural heritage sites in Siaya County — the Ramogi Hill Forest Reserve and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum. He revealed ongoing assessments of seven additional sites in the county for potential gazettement due to their historical and cultural significance.
The Piny Luo Cultural Festival provided a platform to celebrate Luo heritage and served as a reminder of the importance of unity and shared values across the region.
