RAILA Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, has launched his bid for one of the most sought-after top jobs in Africa – the chairpersonship of the African Union Commission. Backed by his country and President William Ruto, Odinga was this week revealed as Kenya’s candidate. In his speech, he made a powerful pledge on why he is the best candidate for the position.
Odinga expressed his gratitude for the support he has received: “I am personally encouraged and humbled by the collective support from my country and the Eastern Africa region. The official unveiling of my candidacy as Kenya’s nominee for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) is a major impetus and milestone in my bid.”
Odinga’s vision for Africa acknowledges both its rich history and the challenges it faces. He stated, “The history of Africa is replete with low and high moments. Africa is widely considered the birthplace of mankind whose political organization was reflected in great Kingdoms across the continent.” However, he also recognized the continent’s struggles, noting that “Africa has suffered slavery, colonialism, humiliation, repeated aggression, and internal violent conflicts.”
Despite these challenges, Odinga sees a bright future for the continent. “Like the legendary phoenix, Africa has risen from the ashes of these historical atrocities to make a full-blown arrival on the global stage,” he declared. He envisions “an Africa where our visionary sloganeering will translate into strategic action for the transformation of our continent.”
Addressing the current challenges facing Africa, Odinga said: “Unfortunately, even as we rise, our continent still grapples with emerging challenges and vulnerabilities including identity conflicts and wars, hunger, poverty, violent extremism, adverse climate change, acute unemployment among our youths, transboundary pandemics and infectious diseases such as Mpox, and other threats to human security and dignity.”
Odinga’s plan for the AU is focused on making it more relevant to everyday Africans. “My plan is to work with you, Excellencies, and make the AU more people-centred and serve the interests of the vast voiceless majority of Africans. The African people should feel the AU in their lives,” he emphasized.
On continental integration, Odinga stated: “I plan to work with you, Excellencies, to integrate this continent. We are one people who, unfortunately, are trying too hard to separate from each other.” He shared his vision of a unified Africa, saying, “I dream of an Africa where those borders and colonial languages no longer divide us.”
Odinga also highlighted the economic potential of the continent, citing the African Development Bank’s report that “Africa will account for eleven of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies this year” and that “the continent is set to remain the second-fastest-growing region after Asia.”
In his closing remarks, Odinga appealed for support, particularly from his East African colleagues: “Kindly buy my vision, the charge is 34 plus votes in the first round. I particularly appeal to fellow East Africans that we walk this journey together and go to Addis as a team in February 2025.”
As Odinga embarks on this new political journey, his bid represents not just a personal ambition but a test of Africa’s commitment to experienced leadership and regional cooperation. The outcome of this bold move by a man who has tried several times and failed to be the President of Kenya will be closely watched across the continent.
