Published on 14/02/2025
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown his weight behind Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, Raila Odinga, ahead of crucial elections.
Gachagua took to social media Friday morning to express his support, saying that Raila is the ideal candidate to steer the AUC forward.
“Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best,” he stated.
The former Deputy President believes that Raila’s leadership will promote unity across Africa’s regions, leveraging his worldview and unwavering championing of African people.
He also emphasized the need for a leader who can bridge the gap between Africa’s Anglophone and Francophone communities, shaping a united continent for the future.
In his own words, Gachagua’s endorsement of Raila is built on the premise that his win in Ethiopia will validate his Pan-African spirit and vision.
“Raila Odinga’s victory will be a progressive move for Africa and a testament to Kenya’s influence at the continental level,” he concluded.
Heads of state will vote on Saturday to elect the next AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson in the elections in the Ethiopian capital.
Under the AU rules, the voting is done by secret ballot and shall continue until one of the candidates obtains support of two-thirds of the 55 AU member states, translating to 33 votes.
Raila will face off Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato in the exercise set for February 15 and 16.
