By Mwibanda
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is intensifying his campaign for the African Union Commission chairperson position during his attendance at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Accompanying President William Ruto, Raila aims to secure backing from heads of state and influential leaders across Africa.
Strategic Engagements
Raila’s strategy involves capitalizing on every opportunity to network with African leaders. He has already gained the support of East African nations, including Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. On September 24, 2024, Ruto and Raila held talks with Senegalese President Diomaye Faye, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and rallying support for Raila’s candidacy ahead of the AU elections in February 2025.
In their discussions, Raila emphasized his commitment to continental unity, climate change, economic recovery, and regional security. This aligns with his vision of addressing critical issues facing Africa.
Building Regional Alliances
Kenya has yet to establish a strong presence in several other African regions—Northern, Central, Southern, and Western Africa. Raila’s participation in international forums like UNGA is pivotal in pursuing this goal. His extensive political experience and established relationships across the continent enhance his candidacy, making him a viable choice for the AU leadership role.
Language Dynamics in Voting
One significant aspect of the AU elections is the linguistic divide, with 21 Francophone and 24 Anglophone countries on the continent. Raila’s previous diplomatic missions, including a recent delegation to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a visit to Germany, highlight his ongoing efforts to build relationships that could influence voting patterns.
Government Support
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and former Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. Elkana Odembo are leading Raila’s campaign efforts, with assurances from the government to mobilize all necessary support for his candidacy.
As Raila continues to network and leverage his presence at the UNGA, the outcome of these engagements could play a crucial role in his bid for the AU Commission chairperson position.
