Environment and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has expressed confidence that Raila Odinga will secure victory in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson elections.
Speaking on Sunday, February 2, 2025, during an interview with Citizen TV, Duale attributed Odinga’s strong chances to an extensive diplomatic charm offensive across the continent and the unwavering support of President William Ruto.
According to the CS, the former Prime Minister has engaged with nearly 40 African heads of state, securing significant backing ahead of the polls.
“Raila is going to win that seat. So far, he has met close to 40 presidents, and based on the numbers, he is leading. We already know the heads of state who will vote for him. In the neighbouring region alone, 11 out of 14 presidents will support his bid,” Duale stated.
He also lauded President Ruto’s role in rallying support for Odinga, describing it as a critical diplomatic effort to position Kenya strategically within the AU leadership.
“He has done enough campaigning, visiting close to 40 African capitals. President William Ruto has played a key role in lobbying and convincing his fellow heads of state. This is an important position for Kenya, and the President has gone to great lengths to ensure we secure it,” he added.
Duale further challenged the Kenyan media to actively support Odinga’s bid, arguing that a positive portrayal of his candidacy could consolidate his prospects in the race.
“All that remains now is for the media to play its role by giving more positive stories about his candidature. I know many in the political scene are uneasy because his departure from local politics could signal the end of several careers,” he remarked.
The African Union Commission (AUC) elections are scheduled to take place between February 15 and 16, 2025.
Raila Odinga will face off against Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Richard Randriamandrato.
The AU has outlined a two-phase election process:
- The first phase, set for February 12-13, 2025, will see the AU Executive Council, consisting of foreign ministers from AU member states, elect commissioners who will oversee various AU portfolios.
- The second phase, scheduled for February 15-16, 2025, will take place after the opening ceremony of the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Heads of State, where the AUC Chairperson will be elected.
For the Deputy Chairperson position, six candidates are in the race, including Salah Francis and Selma Malika from Algeria, Mohamed Ahmed Fathi and Hanan Morsy from Egypt, Najat M. Elhajjaji from Libya, and Latifa Akharbach from Morocco.
With just days to the election, Raila Odinga’s campaign efforts, backed by Kenya’s diplomatic machinery, will be crucial in securing the influential continental seat.
