The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has endorsed Opposition Leader Raila Odinga's bid to be the next Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission as a show of patriotism. 

UDA's Secretary General Cleophas Malala in his endorsement refuted claims that the ruling party’s support for Raila’s bid is political.

The SG spoke during a press conference in Nairobi at a time President William Ruto was in Ethiopia attending the 37th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government. 

Lobbying for Raila’s candidature for the African Union top job is said to be one of the President’s main agendas at the summit that brings together Heads of State and governments from across the continent. 

In Nairobi, Malala who was flanked by city leaders and other party members officially expressed UDA's support for Raila’s latest endeavor terming the opposition leader a “true Pan-Africanist.”

He explained that the President Ruto-led UDA's resolve to throw its weight behind Raila’s bid was a patriotic decision and one made to bolster the country’s image at the continental stage.

“UDA welcomes Raila’s decision to take up the African Union position. He is a luminary and he deserves the position given his contribution to the continent. We are confident he will immensely contribute towards African unity,” said Malala. 

He added that Raila had over the years proved himself as a true Pan-Africanist; When Africa was going through dictatorship, Raila was there to condemn it. He also described Raila as one of Africa’s great sons who has played a big role in African democracy.

“UDA party is mindful of the need to come together as a country to support our own. Our party supporters are therefore asked to support Raila. This is not a political statement, it is a patriotic statement,” remarked Malala. By Josphat Thiong'o, The Standard