To garner support on a regional and international level, President William Ruto has established a campaign apparatus in support of Raila’s candidature for the AU position.
Musalia Mudavadi, the CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, leads the team.
Raila Odinga is better suited to represent the East African Community in the contest, according to Mudavadi, who asked the member nations of the EAC to endorse his campaign.
Speaking on July 7 at the EAC ministerial retreat, Mudavadi stated that Raila is well-suited for the AUC role because of his qualifications and background.
“We firmly believe that now is the time for our region to elect the chairman who will lead the continent’s leadership.”
“In order for us to speak with one voice, I implore all member states to carefully consider Odinga’s candidature,” Mudavadi stated.
Ruto’s administration has promised to make all possible efforts to obtain Raila’s much-sought-after seat, which would elevate him to the rank of president.
On his side, Raila has stepped up his campaigns for the AUC position, even as the government is preparing a number of diplomatic initiatives in his favour.
In Zanzibar on the first weekend of this month, Raila met with the foreign affairs ministers of the East African Community (EAC) and outlined his plans for the continent.
“I stand among you as someone who is deeply passionate about the concepts of unity, peace, and development,” he stated.
“Now is the appropriate time for my leadership to shine, as Africa negotiates through an unprecedented period necessitating a strong and innovative administration.”
In addition to highlighting the readiness of the East African region to provide the next African Union chairman, Raila emphasised the significance of regional participation within the greater African Union structure.