Museveni Endorses Raila Odinga’s AU Chairperson Bid.

By Samuel Ouma

Raila Odinga, Kenya's opposition leader, has accepted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's endorsement of his candidacy for African Union Commission chairperson.

In a statement posted via his social media platforms, Odinga said Museveni endorsed him during a joint meeting with President William Ruto.

The Azimio alliance's leader stated that the joint meeting with President Museveni and President Ruto was organized at the Ugandan president's invitation.

“I accepted an invitation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President William Samoei Ruto,” said Odinga.

“President Museveni strongly endorsed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission.”

Odinga also appreciated Ruto for fully supporting his candidature.

The trio also discussed the deepening of regional integration within the East African Community.

Apart from Presidents Ruto and Museveni, other state heads who thrown their weight behind the former Prime Minister are Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also endorsed Odinga, saying he is the best candidate to replace the outgoing chair, Moussa Faki.