Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has endorsed Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. He called Odinga “Africa’s best bet” for the role.
Gachagua made the announcement in a Facebook post, just a day before the AUC elections in Addis Ababa. He described Odinga as a unifying figure who could bridge divides between Anglophone and Francophone Africa.
“Kenya’s finest, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best,” Gachagua wrote.
He praised Odinga’s long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism, saying his potential victory would reflect his dedication to the continent’s unity.
“His win in Addis Ababa imprints his quest for the Pan-African spirit he has lived and championed,” Gachagua added.
The former deputy president also highlighted Odinga’s ability to foster cohesion across Africa’s linguistic and cultural divides.
“As a continent, we need a Raila Odinga character to gel the Anglophone and the Francophone selves towards the continent of the future,” he said.
Gachagua emphasised that an Odinga victory would be a win for both Africa and Kenya.
“Raila Odinga’s win will be good and progressive for Africa. His victory will be a win for Kenya, our motherland,” he stated.
Raila Odinga, a former Prime Minister, is a seasoned politician known for advocating African unity, democracy, and economic integration. His AUC bid has gained widespread support across the continent.
The AUC chairmanship elections on Saturday are expected to be highly competitive, with Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti also vying for the role. Odinga and Youssouf are seen as a frontrunners.
If elected, he would become the first Kenyan to hold the prestigious position. In 2017, Kenya’s Fpreign Minister, Amina Mohamed lost the position her Chadian counterpart, Moussa Faki.
All eyes are now on Addis Ababa, as whatever the outcome will be key in shaping Kenya’s upcoming elections in 2027.
