In a significant development for Kenya’s diplomatic efforts, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party spokesperson Makau Mutua has voiced strong confidence in Raila Odinga’s bid for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The official submission of Odinga’s candidacy took place today, July 29, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mutua took to his X account to announce the completion of the submission process, stating,
“The deed is done. We’ve officially submitted Kenya’s candidature of @RailaOdinga for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Victory is the only option!”
Accompanying the submission were Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia George Orina, and Ambassador Elkanah Odembo.
The team presented the necessary documents to Hajer Gueldich, the African Union Legal Counsel, as per the AUC’s rules of procedure.
“Presented copies of H.E. Raila Odinga’s application for Chair of AUC to @HajerGueldich, African Union Legal Counsel, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the African Union Commission,” PS Korir confirmed in his X post.
The AUC Chairperson, elected for a four-year term with the possibility of renewal, serves as the chief executive officer and chief accounting officer of the Commission.
Raila Odinga is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, whose term is nearing its end.
The deadline for candidacy submissions is August 6, 2024.