Raila’s candidature: Why the former premier is likely to triumph in the AUC seat
He had served as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa between the years 2018–2023.
By Martin Kurgat
Ever since President William Ruto flew out to Beijing for the ninth edition of the Forum on China – Africa cooperation, Kenyans have analyzed and speculated.
Even asked several questions: Why did the Head of State welcomed to be accompanied by the former Prime Minister? What is Raila up to in the tour?
Who is he to be given prominence – to give a keynote address on infrastructure at the China – Africa Summit? Is he to be in the wish list as Ruto meets President Xi of China?
Must Raila go to where over 40 African Presidents are or be in places of high ranking dignitaries even before he becomes the ideal leader?
Arguably, although the former Kenyan Premier is expected to make his first pitch for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC)
To the invited Heads of State and government in China, they are likely to be convinced to make a formal endorsement of his candidature especially if he is accompanied by the Kenyan President who is also the head of delegation.
Interestingly, Raila Odinga is not a stranger to other official leaders – he had served as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa between the years 2018–2023 – an equivalent position to a Minister in the entire continent.
Reportedly, as a candidate, his infrastructures focus within the context of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – a major plank of the forum for China – Africa cooperation. However, back at home and abroad, Raila’s bid is highly budgeted for by the state.
In fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed a secretariat co-chaired by Kenya’s former ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo and the Ministry’s Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei to lead the campaign – a good opportunity at the Summit to have one conversation with African leaders on the sidelines of the conference – as an important infrastructure partner of Africa – advance Africa’s connectivity and integration.
Historically, Kenya nation does not want a repeat of another lose.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amina Mohammed lost to Former AU Chairman Moussa Faki Mohamat from Chad due to poor campaign strategy employed then by the “divided” Uhuruto regime.
This time round, both the state and Odinga himself will seek to drum up support among African Presidents in attendance – a campaign strategy that will see them make a decision by voting in early next year’s election for the AUC seat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Surprisingly, Mohamat is also in Beijing for the same mission and vision who has witnessed President Ruto urge African leaders to back Raila’s candidature.
Further, in his speech, Ruto, however, has pledged to push for the scrapping of Visa for intra-Africa travel and removal of trade barriers.
He spelt out his vision of a united continent characterized by peace and prosperity for Africans as he recognized the rich history shared by Africa and China.
He said he’s keen to seeing continuation of collaboration in trade, infrastructure, agriculture and ICT developments of COMESA and other regional bodies and China.
Odinga’s secretariat stressed the need for the next move to go full throttle and engage Francophone African nations to enhance Raila’s chances of winning the continental post.
President Dennis Suesso Nguesso of Congo–Brazzaville has been assigned and tasked as the reliable link with those countries.
Therefore, Raila Odinga is the undisputed leader of the Eastern Africa region amongst other candidates.
He is the senior most, an African statesman passé who had in fact not only become a “Continental Minister” but Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya from 2008 – 2012.
His CV displays him as qualified candidate who also comes from Kenya – the most influential economic powerhouse and hubs in this region – other candidates are citizens of “smaller” nations.
They are from Djibouti, Mauritius and Madagascar respectively.
Mr. Martin Seronei Kurgat, Is a Lecturer at the School of Information Sciences, Moi University in Eldoret. kurgatmartin1@gmail.com
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