National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has endorsed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission (AUC), emphasizing his ability to champion Africa’s interests on the global stage.
Odinga is vying to replace Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat as AUC Chairperson, with elections set for February 25, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Wednesday, Wetang’ula urged African nations to rally behind Odinga.
“Kenya has a strong candidate for AUC Chairperson. When you return home, ask your Foreign Ministers and Presidents to support him,” he said.
If successful, Odinga would become the first East African to hold the prestigious position, a feat he is pursuing through active diplomacy across the continent.
The PAP delegation, including representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia, and Kenya, was in Nairobi on a fact-finding mission focusing on climate change and soil management to enhance food security.
PAP delegation chair Sakata Garry highlighted the urgency of addressing soil degradation, stating, “Everything—mining, agriculture—relies on soil. Immediate action on soil management is critical.”
Wetang’ula, a Pan-African Parliament pioneer, underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling soil degradation and boosting agricultural productivity.
With Odinga’s candidacy gaining momentum, Kenya seeks to solidify its influence on the African continent while addressing pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
