EAC urges foreign ministers to back Raila bid

Opposition Chief Raila Odinga has received a boost in his quest of becoming the next African Union Commission’s Chairperson from the East African Community (EAC).

This is after EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki wrote to Ministers of Regional Integration and East African Communities from eight regional countries forming EAC.

In his letter dated March 21, Mathuki urged the eight regional ministers to support Raila’s bid to become the next chairperson of the AUC during next year’s election.

“The purpose of this letter therefore, is to inform you of this development and urge partners to mobilize support for the candidature of Raila Amolo Odinga given his immense experience in leadership and understanding of issues affecting our continent,” said Mathuki in his letter.

Mathuki told the eight ministers that Kenya has officially communicated to the EAC Secretary General of Raila’s candidature for the top AUC position.

Mathuki wrote to Ministers Deng Alor (Sudan), Antipas Mbusa (DRC), Gervais Abayeho (Burundi), Peninah Malonza (Kenya), Vincent Biruta (Rwanda), Ali Mohamed Omar (Somalia), January Makamba (Tanzania) and Rebecca Kadaga (Uganda) to support Raila’s bid.

He further stated that Raila was the inaugural Africa Union (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development, a position he held until February 2023. “The election of the Chairperson, AUC will be held in February 2025. Please accept, Hon Minister/Cabinet Secretary, the assurances of my highest consideration,” said Mathuki.

Already, Raila has begun an intense shuttle diplomacy to secure his position as the next African Union Commission Chairman.

Raila’s journey to the highest seat in the continent will seem him travel to a majority of the African States where he is expected to meet Heads of States and Governments to support his bid.