Over 100 MPs Join President Ruto in Addis Ababa to Back Raila Odinga’s AU Commission Bid

Over 100 Members of Parliament (MPs), alongside President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, are heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

The high-stakes election is set to take place during the African Union (AU) Summit on February 15-16, 2025.

Raila Odinga, a veteran Kenyan politician and former Prime Minister, is vying for the AUC’s top seat against two formidable candidates: Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato.

The AUC chairmanship is a critical position responsible for driving the AU’s agenda, promoting continental integration, and addressing challenges such as conflict resolution, economic development, and climate change.

President Ruto’s active support for Raila’s candidacy underscores the significance of the bid for Kenya’s political landscape.

The bipartisan backing from leaders across Kenya’s political divide highlights Raila’s enduring influence and the strategic importance of the AUC role for the East African region.

A win for Raila would mark a historic achievement for Kenya, positioning the country as a key player in continental affairs.

Raila’s campaign has gained momentum in recent months, with reports indicating that he has secured endorsements from at least 28 African countries.

His platform emphasizes pan-Africanism, economic integration, and strengthening the AU’s capacity to address regional conflicts and humanitarian crises.

The Kenyan delegation, which includes lawmakers from both the ruling party and the opposition, is set to engage in last-minute lobbying efforts ahead of the election.

Raila and his team are scheduled to depart for Addis Ababa on February 12, where they will join other African leaders and delegates for the summit.

Regional Implications and Strategic Stakes

The AUC chairmanship election is not just a contest of personalities but also a reflection of regional dynamics and geopolitical interests.

East Africa, which last held the position in 2008 with Gabon’s Jean Ping, is keen to reclaim the seat. Raila’s candidacy has been endorsed by the East African Community (EAC), with regional leaders rallying behind him as a unifying figure with extensive experience in governance and diplomacy.

However, Raila faces stiff competition. Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is seen as a strong contender, given his country’s strategic location and active role in regional security initiatives.

Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, meanwhile, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience and has been campaigning on a platform of revitalizing the AU’s economic agenda.

Analysts suggest that Raila’s chances hinge on his ability to consolidate support beyond East Africa and address concerns about the AU’s effectiveness under his leadership.

“Raila’s bid is a test of Kenya’s diplomatic clout and his ability to navigate the complex politics of the AU,” said Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, a political analyst specializing in African governance.

What’s at Stake for Kenya and President Ruto

For President Ruto, Raila’s success would be a significant political win, bolstering his administration’s standing both domestically and internationally. It would also signal Kenya’s growing influence in continental affairs. Conversely, a loss could be seen as a setback for Ruto’s diplomatic strategy and his efforts to position Kenya as a regional powerhouse.

As the AU Summit approaches, all eyes are on Addis Ababa, where African leaders will decide the future direction of the continent’s premier institution.

Raila Odinga’s bid represents not just a personal ambition but a broader aspiration for Kenya and East Africa to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s future.