By Anderson Ojwang
The African Lion landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a date with his destiny—a date that is do-or-die for President William Ruto. A date that will radically impact Kenya’s socio-economic and political dispensation.
In reality, it is a date for Kenya with her destiny. Kenya is on the election ballot for the chairmanship of the African Union.
In Kenya, the country is presenting an icon, a mover, a bulldozer in her politics, and one of Africa’s finest leaders of today.
From his Kango Ka Jaramogi home to Kisumu to Nairobi, and in the confines of various homes, Kenyans prayed and wished the Lion good luck in his quest for the AU chair.
That is why Kenyans, led by President Ruto, the opposition, Parliament, and citizens from all walks of life, were in unison in their support for Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister.
The indefatigable Lion has, in the last six months, crisscrossed and combed every part of the continent and the globe in his vote hunt. President Ruto, in his true leadership and worth, has tagged along with the Lion and also facilitated his campaign.
Odinga is facing Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato (65) and Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf (60).
The successful candidate will succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki, who will exit after his two-term tenure, which began in 2017.
The electoral process commenced on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, where the Executive Council will elect and appoint Commissioners during their session on 12-13 February 2025.
While Kenyans gathered to pray for Raila, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi spearheaded Kenya’s last-minute efforts to secure Raila’s election as African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.
With a Kenyan delegation in Addis that includes more than 100 MPs as well as other leaders and government officials, Mudavadi engaged key leaders to rally support for Raila.
Back home, Raila exuded confidence about the victory, saying he was ready to take Africa to the next level.
“My agenda includes closing Africa’s infrastructure gap, fostering regional integration, boosting economic transformation, and enhancing intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
I seek to advance financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace and security, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
I was approached and asked to seek the AU seat. I asked the tough question of whether it was right to exit Kenya. I was told Kenya was part of Africa. I accepted the challenge, and I have traversed the continent and spoken to all the presidents.
If they elect me as chairman, I will work for Africa diligently, as I have done in the past in various posts I have held. But if they do not elect me, that is also fine with me because I have a home. A win or a loss is still a victory.
I will go for the AU elections on Saturday. If I win, well and good. If I don’t, so be it. I am confident that, with God’s will, we shall succeed. If we win, we have succeeded. If we lose, we have also succeeded.
Today is a prayer day ahead of the battle. With God’s intervention, we will win,” Raila said.
Mama Ida Odinga said the women had organised prayers for Raila to seek God’s intervention and guidance ahead of Saturday’s battle.
“I have seen Raila visit every country in Southern, Western, Central, and Eastern Africa. I am confident and convinced that he has given his best, and our work here today is to support him with prayers ahead of Saturday’s election.
May God grant us the desires of our hearts. His victory will be for Kenya and Africa. It will not be for him and me as his wife but for the continent. We expect him to work for the continent and positively impact it,” she said.
At the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led the House in extending best wishes to Raila and expressed their support for his candidature.
“I want to join all of you in wishing our leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, success in the election for African Union Commission Chairperson.”
Recently, the President said Raila’s candidature for the African Union Commission Chairperson continues to receive tremendous support owing to his proven track record as a Pan-Africanist.
He expressed confidence that Raila’s leadership would foster peace across the continent, effectively manage conflicts, and unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
“We are very confident that the successful bid of Hon. Raila is going to see the fortunes of our continent change for the better going into the future,” he said.
