Kenya is making strong diplomatic moves as the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election reaches its final stage on February 15, 2025.
The country is pushing for Raila Odinga to win the top job, with President William Ruto leading the efforts. Despite their past political differences, Ruto is now fully backing Odinga’s bid for the influential continental position.
His administration has mobilized diplomatic channels, engaging with African leaders to ensure Kenya secures the position.In the days leading up to the election, Ruto has been holding high-level meetings with African heads of state and key government officials.
His goal has been to rally support for Odinga by emphasizing his vast experience and vision for a more united and prosperous Africa.
To further strengthen Kenya’s campaign, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi traveled to Addis Ababa ahead of the summit. His mission has been to engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations and forge alliances that would help secure votes for Odinga.
Odinga’s bid has gained traction, with at least 28 countries reportedly endorsing him, including 19 African heads of state. This support signals the belief that he is capable of steering the African Union in the right direction and tackling the challenges facing the continent.
His long history in African politics, involvement in regional peace initiatives, and advocacy for economic development have helped him position himself as a strong candidate for the position.
Despite the growing support, the race remains tough. Odinga is facing stiff competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially backed Randriamandrato, instructing its 16 member states to vote for him. This move makes the competition even tighter, as SADC’s bloc vote could tilt the outcome of the election.
Kenya’s diplomatic team is still working hard to ensure Odinga’s victory. Backroom negotiations are in full swing, with key allies trying to win over undecided countries.
The stakes are high because the AUC chairperson plays a crucial role in shaping Africa’s policies, handling continental crises, and strengthening the African Union’s global influence.
If Odinga wins, it will be a significant diplomatic achievement for Kenya, boosting its standing in Africa and the international arena. However, if he loses, it will be seen as a major setback for Ruto’s administration, given the heavy political and diplomatic investment in the campaign. The final hours before the election are critical, and Kenya is pushing hard to ensure Odinga emerges victorious.
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