Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared his support for Raila Odinga’s bid to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson ahead of the highly anticipated elections.
In a statement shared on social media Friday morning, Gachagua described Odinga as the best candidate to lead the AUC, citing his experience and commitment to Pan-Africanism.
“Odinga is undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves strong leadership,” he stated.
Gachagua emphasized that Raila’s leadership could help unify the continent by bridging gaps between different regional blocs, particularly between Anglophone and Francophone nations. He noted that Raila’s global outlook and dedication to African causes make him a formidable candidate.
“His victory in Ethiopia would affirm his vision for Africa and demonstrate Kenya’s growing influence at the continental level,” he added.
The election for the AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson is scheduled to take place on February 15 and 16 in Ethiopia, where African heads of state will cast their votes.
According to the African Union’s voting rules, the process is conducted through a secret ballot, with a candidate required to secure two-thirds of the votes from the fifty-five AU member states—equivalent to at least thirty-three votes—to win.
Odinga will be facing off against Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Finance Minister Richard Randriamandrato in what is expected to be a competitive race.
