AUC Chairperson Not A Matter Of Life And Death, Says Raila

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has disclosed that the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat is not a matter of life and death for him.

Speaking during a burial ceremony in Bondo constituency, Siaya County on Saturday January 11, 2025, Raila expressed confidence in winning the AUC seat.

Additionally, Raila noted that he is ready to serve the African continent.

“This is Africa’s century. I am grateful for being part of this defining moment,” said Raila.

Raila explained that if he fails to clinch the AUC chairperson position, he is ready to return and proceed with activities back in Kenya.

“When the vote is cast is when we will know whether I have won or not. If we win, it’s okay, and if we don’t, there’s nothing wrong. If I don’t win, I’ll remain here. If I win, it will be good because I will work there and do many things that will help us here

“If I lose, I’ll be here with you, and we will work together as a community,” Raila said.

At the same time, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga lashed at the human rights activists and politicians who are currently very vocal about issues of abductions in the country.

The Siaya Senator accused the human rights activists and politicians of being selective in demanding justice, arguing that they were silent when Azimio supporters were being killed during the post-election demonstrations in 2022.

The election of the next AUC chairperson is set for February. Raila will run against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

Raila has rolled out an aggressive campaign that will see him visit at least 10 countries in southern Africa this month.

The ex-PM hit the ground running early last week, taking his vote-hunting mission to Mauritius, where he bagged the support of the island country.

Raila’s campaign team, led by former Kenya’s ambassador to the US, Elkanah Odembo, is crafting a back-to-back campaign schedule that will see the former Prime Minister camping in the southern part of the continent for the better part of January.