Raila Odinga’s AU Chair Declaration Sends Waves of Unity Across Kenya.

By Samuel Ouma

A newfound sense of unity has swept across Kenya in an unprecedented turn of events, ending the echoes of contention that have persisted since the fiercely contested 2022 elections.

This extraordinary change was triggered by opposition leader Raila Odinga's announcement that he intends to run for the coveted top position in the African Union.

Odinga declared his interest in the African Union Commission chairmanship at a press conference in Karen, Nairobi, on February 15, 2024.

The former prime minister said he is the right candidate to take over from the incumbent Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose tenure will expire at the end of the year, citing his experience as the AU special envoy for infrastructure development in Africa from 2018 to 2023

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader noted that he consulted widely among his friends before announcing his candidature.

"I want to make it public that I am ready to go for the chairmanship of the Africa Union... I am inclined to accept the challenge. Should the leadership of Africa want my services, I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent," said Odinga.

"The role of the AU special envoy for infrastructure development in Africa provided me with a unique advantage to gain insights into every African country. I am confident that by collaborating with these nations, we can uplift Africa".

Following Odinga's declaration, people from various backgrounds, political affiliations, and critics hailed the decision. Kenyans are putting aside their political differences and embracing a common spirit that cuts across party lines as their country is poised to take the lead on the continent.

This extraordinary show of unity ushers in a new era for the country and represents the first meaningful strides toward a unified national story following the hotly contested elections of 2022.

Odinga's Azimio La Umoja coalition welcomed the move and praised Odinga for his contributions to Kenya's socioeconomic development, inclusivity, and stability.

The outfit’s principals, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, said their party leader has a long history of commitment to Pan-Africanists and is the only suitable candidate to succeed Faki.

“We welcome and congratulate our Party Leader for the bold step of putting his name forward for consideration of this most important role to the African continent and its people. We fully support his decision and we shall back his candidature to our fullest capacity,” said Azimio in a statement shared via its social media platforms.

“We believe that as the AU Chairperson, he will leverage his Pan-Africanism vision of identity and inclusivity to achieve "an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena,” read the statement further.

The alliance lauded Odinga’s unparalleled track record of leadership in promoting democratic principles, human rights and good governance, calling other countries to rally behind the Kenyan renowned leader.

“We call on all our compatriots to give bipartsan support and ensure that Mr. Odinga's bid is successful. Mr. Odinga's win will be a win for Kenya, the region and the continent,” said Azimio.

Azimio added, “We are confident that Mr. Odinga’s candidature for the position of AU Chairperson will garner overwhelming support from all comers of our continent. His broad appeal and international name recognition as a statesman, committed to Africa’s progress, makes him the right and best candidate for the job.”

Additionally, President William Ruto’s administration has put aside political rifts and united behind the opposition leader. The government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, underlined that Odinga's endorsement is a recognition of his statesmanship rather than a political ploy and highlighted his potential to take Kenya and Africa to new heights.

“If he gets an opportunity to serve us at the AU as the chair, we as Kenyans forget all our differences and rally behind a fellow Kenya. If Mr. Odinga has expressed interest, we would rather have him there because when he is there the interests of Kenya are taken care of. We as government fully support his candidature,” said Isaac Mwaura.

Mwaura described Odinga as an influential figure in African politics, echoed by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

“Raila Odinga is undoubtable an African luminary of unmatched capability. We join many across the continent in restating that Honorable Odinga deserved the AU chairmanship given his distinguished accolades and contribution to the social political landscape of the East African Region and Africa as a whole,” said UDA Secretary General Cleopas Malala.

Externally, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has also endorsed Odinga’s AU chairmanship bid. Obasanjo expressed confidence that Odinga is the right man for the AU plum job and urged the East Africa Community (EAC) members to support the Kenyan veteran leader.

“I have no doubt that my friend (Odinga) is a viable candidate but subject to views, feelings, positions and presentations of our leaders in the East Africa sub-region,” said Obasanjo.

The former Nigerian head of state said it is time for the East Africa region to lead the AU.

“Not too long ago we had Southern Africa, one occupying the seat now is Central Africa. Before that, we had West Africa. If the region can come together and put the candidate forward, then that is how it should be," added Obasanjo.

There is speculation that President Ruto has formed a committee to drum support for Odinga. According to insider sources, the committee's current membership consists solely of government representatives, with intentions to add opposition leaders in the future to make Odinga’s dream become a reality.

Some have argued that Ruto's backing of his vocal detractor is a calculated action meant to change the political climate in the nation. Ruto would feel relieved if the head of Azimio, who is renowned for being an outspoken opponent of his government and skilled at holding the government responsible, becomes the chairperson of the AU Commission.

This implies he will not be actively involved in the country's political landscape by 2027. AU commission chair can only participate in an election as a regular voter and is unable to campaign for his preferred candidate or run as a candidate himself.

It further signifies that the Azimio coalition, which includes several parties, will need to find a new leader. Additionally, the ODM party must begin planning for a future in which the former Prime Minister will no longer be actively involved.

Other state heads who have rallied 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.

Paul Kagame of Rwanda has also pledged to support Odinga’s bid, which the Kenyan political elite has termed as timely.

“I had an insightful conversation with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, diving into regional and Pan African ideals. We are committed to African unity and solidarity for shared prosperity and progress,” posted Odinga on his social media platforms on March 8, 2024.

If elected, Odinga will serve as the African Union Commission's Chief Executive Officer, Legal Representative, and Accountant. He will preside over all Commission meetings and discussions, organize agenda items, and implement initiatives to promote and raise the visibility of the African Union's goals.

Odinga will oversee the effectiveness of all African Union organ meetings, decision-making, and reporting processes. In addition, he will consult and coordinate with Member States' governments, other institutions, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on African Union activities.

He will represent the African Union diplomatically and oversee the Commission's administration and finances, ensuring that the Commission carries out its mandate efficiently and effectively.

Additional responsibilities include ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of African Union statutory meetings, keeping in close contact with Union organs to provide guidance and support, and monitoring the Union's performance to ensure alignment and coherence with agreed-upon policies and strategies.

Odinga will battle it with Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf H.Adam among other candidates who might announce their bids before the May deadline.

Fawzia is currently a member of the Somali Federal Parliament, having previously served as Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

She is also an enthusiastic supporter of education, believing in the benefits of having a well-educated population. As the founder and Chair of Hargeisa University, a prestigious educational institution, she has helped nurture several talented individuals.

Moreover, she is a strong supporter of women's rights, seeing gender equality as both an essential component of social justice and a critical catalyst for achieving the necessary economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.

Election Process

The African Union Chairperson election process has multiple steps. Usually, candidates—who might be sitting heads of state, government officials, or any other official—are nominated by member states.

The Executive Council of the African Union, which comprises the foreign ministers or other nominated representatives from each member state, reviews these nominations.

After reviewing the nominations, the Executive Council may endorse a candidate by consensus or vote. The endorsed candidate is then presented for election at the African Union Summit, which brings together the heads of state and government from all member states.

During the Summit, the election is conducted through a voting process. The candidate who receives a two-thirds majority of votes is elected Chairperson of the African Union.

*Culled from March Issue of PAV Magazine