By Habil Onyango
The former Prime Minister has declared that he is ready and prepared to face off with his worthy opponents for the seat of African Union (AU) Chairperson.
Raila said he was ready to battle it out, using the symbol of a lion to convey his readiness to engage with his challengers.
The immediate former Orange Democratic Movement party leader acknowledged facing strong opposition from other countries but expressed optimism about winning the seat.
“I have developed a winning strategy for the seat. My team is committed and is working to ensure we are victorious,” he stated.
Raila said his main agenda was to ensure that Africans receive respect and are exempted from discrimination, including gender and racial abuse.
He emphasized that his leadership would ensure Africans are free from the exploitation of their minerals and wealth by other countries. “I want to assure our people that I am ready to serve Africa and explore available opportunities to enrich our continent,” he affirmed.
Raila highlighted the issue of youth unemployment, explaining that many talented and educated young Africans are unable to secure job opportunities. Under his leadership, he vowed to seek ways to create employment opportunities.
Three days ago, Raila unveiled his candidature for the AUC Chairperson in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary are spearheading Raila’s campaign.
“As a continent, we must be able to face those who have been taking advantage of us without fear, shyness, or sympathy, and this is why I am going for the seat as a strong African lion,” said Raila.
The AUC Chairperson’s position has attracted four candidates, including Raila (Kenya), Mohamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Richard Randrianmandrato (Madagascar), and Anil Gyan (Mauritius), all vying to replace the current chairperson, Moussa Faki.
Odinga spoke at Ligisa Secondary School in Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County, where he presided over the thanksgiving ceremony for the new ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
Raila was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries for Mining, Ali Hassan Joho, Finance John Mbadi, Special Economic Advisor to the President Moses Kuria, and former CS for Gender Aisha Jumwa.
Among the Governors in attendance were Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o (also acting ODM Chairman), Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), James Orengo (Siaya), Simba Arati (Kisii), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Nathif Jama Adam (Garissa), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Ole Lenku (Kajiado), and Paul Otuoma (Busia).
Senators Oburu Odinga (Siaya), Chief Whip in the Senate Ledama Olekina, Eddy Oketch (Migori), Geoffrey Osotsi (Vihiga), Julius Mwaruma (Taita Taveta), and Beatrice Ogolla (ODM Nominated) were also present.
The leaders wished Raila well in his quest for the AU seat, with elections scheduled for February next year.
Sakaja expressed support, stating, “On behalf of UDA, we are grateful to Raila and pray for him in his quest for the AUC top seat. He has shown unity, patience, and selflessness for the sake of the country, and he is well-placed to lead Africa.”
Moses Kuria added, “Africa will be one of the luckiest continents to be served by Raila, and I pray that he gets elected.”He further remarked, “Raila is a dedicated Pan-Africanist. Despite not always being treated fairly in Kenya, he has put the country first, and we are indebted to him.”
