Azimio leader Raila Odinga has continued to get support from various quarters after expressing interest in the African Union Commission chairman post.
In a statement issued over the weekend The Amani National Congress Party (ANC) stated that it fully supports the diplomatic efforts of the Kenya Kwanza Government to have the Eastern African region lead the African Union Commission.
“We applaud Kenya’s diplomatic efforts at the on-going AU Summit in Addis Ababa, led by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and believe that the time is ripe for the Eastern African Region to lead the AU’s commission, “the statement read in part.
The party stated that Opposition leader Raila Odinga is well experienced and has shown dedication to the advancement of the African continent which makes him a highly qualified candidate suitable for the job.
“ANC also stands in full support of former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Raila Odinga for the AUC chairperson, Odinga has extensive experience.”
According to The Amani National Congress Party, Odinga will protect the interests of the continent and promote unity and progress among African nations if elected as the next chairperson for the AU Commission.
The party also urged other East African Community Member States to support Odinga’s bid in order for him to take over the position next year when the current Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat retires.
“We commend Mudavadi’s unwavering leadership in championing the region’s candidacy. His strong credentials reflect Kenya’ strong dedication to furthering the interests of the continent and promoting unity,” It added.
Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura also revealed that the opposition leader Raila Odinga would take Kenya and the continent to greater heights if he gets the top African Union (AU) Commission job.
“If he gets an opportunity to serve us at the AU as the chair, we as Kenyans forget all our differences and rally behind a fellow Kenya. If Mr. Odinga has expressed interest, we would rather have him there because when he is there the interests of Kenya are taken care of. We as government fully support his candidature,” stated Mwaura.
Mwaura’s assertions now put to rest doubts that the Kenya Kwanza government led by President William Ruto supports Odinga’s candidature.
On Saturday, the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) endorsed Odinga’s bid to be the next chairperson of the Africa Union Commission however refuting claims that the party support for Odinga’s bid is a political move. By Wangechi Purity, Capital News
