‪Why Raila’s Campaign Secretariat Is Now Confident Of His AUC Win‬ As Campaign Enters Final Stretch

As the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election looms, Raila Odinga’s campaign team is expressing an unprecedented level of confidence in securing the top position.

With the vote set for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16, the former Kenyan Prime Minister’s campaign has been marked by strategic engagements and a broad base of support across the continent.

Raila has been on an extensive diplomatic tour, meeting with key figures across various African regions. His recent visit to Egypt, alongside President William Ruto, was described by Odinga himself as “a momentous diplomatic engagement,” highlighting his commitment to Pan-Africanism and drawing parallels with notable African leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser. This visit, following others in Mauritania, Tunisia, and Algeria, has not only bolstered his image but also his campaign’s momentum.

The competition is stiff, with Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Youssouf and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato also in the race.

However, Odinga’s team claims he has secured the backing of at least 28 of the 49 AU member states. This number, if accurate, places him just five votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed for a first-round victory.

Elkanah Odembo, co-chair of Raila’s campaign secretariat with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, emphasized the campaign’s progress, stating, “Candidate Raila Amollo Odinga has covered significant ground in the last six weeks.” He noted that Raila has personally engaged with numerous heads of state, showcasing his “remarkable” energy level.

The strategy moving forward involves a three-pronged approach: continued high-level visits by Ruto and Odinga to African leaders, intensified interactions by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi with foreign ministers, and a direct engagement in Addis Ababa with ambassadors to solidify support.

Strategic Alliances and Regional Support

Support for Raila extends beyond East Africa, with countries like Ghana and Seychelles publicly backing his candidacy. This broad regional support is seen as a testament to his diplomatic prowess and vision for Africa’s future.

The confidence within the campaign is palpable, with insiders suggesting that Odinga’s win could be “resounding.” This optimism is echoed by political figures like Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who chairs Kenya’s National Assembly Defence and Foreign Relations Committee and who sees Raila’s potential leadership at the AUC as bringing “tremendous benefits” not only to Kenya but to the entire East African Community in terms of social, political, and economic diplomacy.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also added his support with his publicly endorsement of Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, emphasizing Odinga’s vast leadership experience as a primary qualification for the role.

During an interview on February 3, 2025, Wandayi praised Odinga’s commitment to pan-Africanism, suggesting that these characteristics make him an ideal candidate for the position. He expressed personal admiration, having learned political skills under Odinga, and firmly believes that no one is more deserving of the AUC chairmanship than Raila.

Wandayi also highlighted the national pride and international leverage Kenya would gain should Odinga win the election. He stated that having such an “iconic son” of Kenya in this high position would not only honor the country but also enhance its influence in African and global affairs.

As the election approaches, the focus is on securing the remaining votes needed for a first-round win. With the campaign now in its final stages, Raila’s team is poised to leverage every diplomatic channel to ensure his candidacy is successful, potentially reshaping Africa’s leadership landscape at the continental level.