By OPCS Press Team
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged African nations to vote for the Kenyan candidate, Raila Odinga, as the African Union Commission (AUC) chair to fast-track peace and stability on the continent.
Mudavadi said that Raila is a Pan-Africanist with vast knowledge of Africa and its political dynamics and would provide the necessary leadership at this critical moment.
The PCS was addressing the media on the sidelines of the AU 46th Session of the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he noted that Africa needed a resolute and strong-willed leader at a time when multiple conflicts were ongoing.
“There are conflicts in some parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Sudan, as well as challenges elsewhere. What we need is a leader who is ready to confront these issues. Raila stands out and is ready for the task,” said Mudavadi.
He said that Raila is a seasoned politician with the experience to tackle the challenges facing the continent and is prepared to begin his assignment immediately after his election on Saturday.
Mudavadi warned the continent against any possible procrastination in selecting the AUC chair, emphasising the urgent need for intervention in peace and conflict resolution.
“If we fail to elect the AUC chairperson on Saturday, at a time when some African countries are in turmoil, we will project an image of weakness, confusion, and indecision at a critical juncture. Africa needs a decisive voice,” said Mudavadi.
According to the election rules, there will be multiple rounds of voting before the AUC chair is selected. If the final candidate fails to secure a two-thirds majority, the Summit may be forced to postpone the vote until July this year.
Currently, there are three candidates for the AUC chair: Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Mudavadi noted that the former Prime Minister is acutely aware of the challenges currently facing the continent and is ideally positioned to propose sustainable solutions for the betterment of African citizens.
“Under his tenure, Raila’s agenda will focus on scaling up efforts to bridge the infrastructure development gap, promote integration and economic transformation, enhance intra-Africa trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), achieve financial independence, drive agricultural transformation, tackle climate change, strengthen peace and security, empower youth, and advance gender equity and equality across the continent,” he stated.
Mudavadi expressed confidence that Raila will emerge victorious in Saturday’s polls, noting that President William Ruto, Raila, and himself had done everything possible to secure the seat for Kenya.
“In the remaining days, we will continue seeking votes wherever possible. We are not leaving anything to chance until the final vote is counted and victory is secured,” said Mudavadi.
The PCS dismissed claims that the government was ferrying people to Addis Ababa in anticipation of Raila’s victory, stating that patriotic Kenyans and Raila’s supporters were travelling privately to offer moral support to the former Prime Minister.
“We have been informed that dozens, possibly hundreds, of people were scheduled to travel privately to Addis Ababa, including some using buses. This reflects patriotism. This will not just be Raila’s victory but a victory for Kenya as a whole,” said the PCS.
He also criticised a small number of Kenyans who were hoping for Raila’s failure, stating that they would be disappointed.
