President Samia to support Raila Odinga’s AU Commission bid in Nairobi today
What you need to know:
- President Hassan is expected to participate in the campaign launch for Raila Odinga, who is vying for the position of Chairperson of the AU Commission
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is traveling to Nairobi today (Tuesday, August 27, 2024) to join her Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in supporting Raila Odinga’s campaign for the African Union (AU) Commission chairmanship.
According to a statement released by Acting Director of Presidential Communications Ms Sharifa Nyanga, President Hassan’s visit follows an official invitation from President Ruto.
"President Hassan is expected to participate in the campaign launch for Raila Odinga, who is vying for the position of Chairperson of the AU Commission," the statement said.
The event, set to take place today, will also see the presence of various leaders from across the continent.
Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics for over three decades, recently announced his departure from national politics to focus on his candidacy for the AU Commission chairmanship. Despite five unsuccessful bids for the Kenyan presidency, Odinga has committed to a vigorous campaign for this new role.
President Ruto will officially unveil Odinga as Kenya’s candidate for the AU Commission chairmanship today, marking the beginning of a continent-wide campaign.
This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to stabilize Ruto's administration, which faced significant challenges due to widespread anti-government protests.
To address the political turmoil, Ruto had to form a 'broad-based government' incorporating key allies of Odinga. This strategic alliance has been crucial in stabilizing the administration, according to joint remarks by President Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who described Odinga’s bid as a “national mission.”
Odinga’s campaign is supported by a team of notable strategists, including former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, former IGAD Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, Ambassador Anthony Okara, Prof Makau Mutua, and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr Caroline Karugu.
