Former Kenyan Prime Minister and opposition leader Raila Odinga has officially declared his candidacy for the African Union (AU) chairmanship, with a pledge to make the organization more people-centered.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a state ceremony in Nairobi, attended by regional leaders from across Africa.
Odinga articulated his vision for the AU, emphasizing the need to make its benefits tangible for the people of Africa.
He stressed that his candidacy is not merely a personal ambition but a collective journey to serve the continent.
“My selection to be Kenya’s candidate is not a one man’s ambition but an African’s journey to serve the motherland,” Odinga stated, promising to form a cabinet of chairpersons with a continental outlook.
The election for the AU chairmanship and seven other positions is set to take place during the African Union Summit in February 2025.
The chairperson of the AU Commission serves a four-year term, which can be renewed once.
Odinga expressed his dream of an Africa where borders and colonial languages no longer separate its people, advocating for unity, resilience, and hope for the future.
Odinga also highlighted his commitment to collaborating with heads of state across the continent to ensure that the AU’s actions and policies have a direct impact on its citizens.
He called for the transformation of the AU from a high-level bureaucratic body to one that makes a difference at the grassroots level.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of Africans.
