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| Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga |
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for African Union Commission chair, faces a tight race as 49 AU member states prepare to vote on Saturday, February 15.
The 80-year-old politician’s bid may reshape his legacy and influence Kenya’s domestic politics.
President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government have backed Raila’s campaign, with Ruto engaging African leaders and attending regional meetings over the past year.
Raila visited 29 capitals to build support among continental leaders.
A win for Raila could shift Kenya’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 election, while a loss may draw him back into local politics and affect Ruto’s reelection plans.
Speaking at a prayer meeting in Nairobi, Raila said he would respect the decision of African leaders and remain content with his contributions.
President Ruto arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday to ramp up the campaign ahead of the final negotiations.
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| Raila Odinga |
Raila wrapped up his tour in Bujumbura and is also in Ethiopia for the final push.
The Kenyan team has approached regional blocs like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the East African Community in an effort to rally support.
The AU chairperson is elected by heads of state and government during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa through a secret ballot.
A candidate must have a two-thirds majority to emerge the winner.
In case no candidate reaches the threshold after three rounds of voting, the election will continue with the front-running two candidates.
Richard Randriamandrato, the former foreign minister of Madagascar and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the foreign minister of Djibouti, who has recently denied reports that he is withdrawing from the race, are Raila's opponents.
Hundreds of Kenyan lawmakers, cabinet ministers, and governors traveled to Addis Ababa to back Raila, creating a powerful Kenyan presence at the conference.
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