Several African heads of state and high ranking officials converged at Statehouse Nairobi on Tuesday to offer support for Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship Raila Odinga.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The former Prime Minister received a standing ovation after delivering a powerful speech on why he was vying for the AUC bid.
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“Today, I stand before you as the candidate for the chair of the African Union Commission. I am encouraged and humbled by the support from my country and the East Africa region,” Raila said.
Speaking at the official launch of his AUC bid, Raila Odinga highlighted the numerous challenges Africans face when traveling within the continent, particularly the cumbersome visa requirements.
“I dream of an Africa that borders and colonial languages no longer divide us. We don’t want Africans to be divided as francophones, lusopohones; I want them to be Africaphones,” he added.
He vowed to spearhead reforms within the AU to establish an AU visa, which would ease movement across African borders, fostering greater integration and unity.
“My friend Aliko Dangote says that for him to travel across the continent he needs 35 visas. His French competitor does not need a visa to travel with French passport in Africa, what a shame,”
Odinga also emphasized the need for the AUC to become more people-centered, advocating for an organization that truly champions the interests of the African people. He also pledged to collaborate closely with African leaders to ensure that the AU delivers tangible benefits to its citizens.
“I am the African lion. My plan is to work with you, Your Excellencies, to make the AU more people-centred and to serve the interests of the vast, voiceless majority of Africans. The African people should feel the presence of the AU in their lives,”
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In his speech, Raila Odinga outlined a robust infrastructure agenda, advocating for the development of Trans-African highways and a continental air transport system to facilitate easier travel and trade across the continent.
He lamented the low levels of intra-African trade, which currently stands at a mere 15 percent, and called for a concerted effort to boost trade among African nations.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, Raila criticized developed countries for their significant contributions to global emissions, which disproportionately affect developing nations.
He called for these countries to compensate Africa for the damage caused, while also urging the continent to take proactive measures to combat climate-related challenges such as droughts, floods, and diseases like Mpox and Youth Unemployment.
Odinga also spoke on the issue of instability in certain African countries, where wars and conflicts continue to disrupt peace and development. He promised that, under his leadership, the AU would prioritize silencing the guns and fostering peace across the continent.
“Unfortunately, even as we rise, our continent still grapples with emerging challenges and vulnerabilities including identity conflicts and wars. I plan to work with you and make the AU more people-centered and serve the interests of the voiceless majority of Africans,”
The event was graced by key regional leaders, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.
“As chairman of the East African Community, I strongly appeal to the region to rally behind Hon.Raila Odinga and adopt him as the region’s candidate. We go to Addis Ababa united behind Rt. Hon. Odinga,” EAC chair President Salva Kiir said.
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“I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change.” I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful,” President William Ruto said.
“I must acknowledge the importance of family not only in our lives but also in leadership. As a country, we must appreciate Ida Odinga’s role in Raila Odinga’s life. We salute her for being a strong pillar for her husband during difficult and low times,” Gachagua said.
“My wife, Pastor Dorcas, who prays for me and the president daily, included Raila Odinga in her prayers yesterday. Since her prayers work, we have no doubt that you will secure this seat,”
“Before I came there was a young man from Djibouti who came to tell me he was their candidate. Of Course, I greeted him warmly, we took photographs, and had a cup of tea,” Museveni said.
“But I told him I was coming here (to Kenya) to support Raila because he is the candidate fit for this job,” he added.
Also in attendance were Burundi’s Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca and a representative from Rwanda.
“The government of the United Republic of Tanzania endorses the candidature of Raila Odinga as the AUC Chair. Tanzania knows Odinga as a Pan-African leader who believes in the promise of African integration,” President Suluhu said.
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Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, along with various diplomats based in Nairobi were also present.
Meanwhile odinga has officially unveiled a website to support his AUC chairmanship bid…CONTINUE READING>>
