Ruto Leverages China Summit to Drum Up Support for Raila's AUC Bid

President William Ruto has intensified his efforts to secure support for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

During his recent visit to China, Ruto met with at least six African presidents on the sidelines of the China-Africa Summit, accompanied by Odinga and other top government officials. The meetings were part of Kenya's diplomatic campaign to rally support for Odinga's AUC bid ahead of the February 2025 election. Among the African leaders Ruto and Odinga met were President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Umaro Sissoco of Guinea-Bissau, President Asimi Goita of Mali, President Faure Essozimna of Togo, President Mahamat Idriss of Chad, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, who also chairs the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

"Rwanda is a strong ally and strategic partner of Kenya. We share diplomatic, historical and cultural ties. Our two nations are also committed members of the East African Community, especially on regional integration, trade and people-to-people relations," Ruto posted on his X account.

Kenya has intensified its efforts to promote Odinga's candidacy, including hosting a launch event in Nairobi that was attended by several East African heads of state and other senior officials. The government is determined to leverage Odinga's experience and vision to secure the AUC chairperson position which is seen as a significant post that elevates the holder to near-head of state status. The China-Africa Summit, officially known as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has provided an excellent platform for Odinga to engage directly with African leaders and garner support for his AUC bid.

Odinga's campaign strategy involves leveraging such high-profile forums to pitch his vision for the African continent, with his campaign secretariat working on a multi-faceted approach to propel his candidacy. In the coming months, Odinga is expected to undertake a marathon of trips across African capitals to engage with presidents and seek their support for the top continental job. While President Ruto is advocating for Odinga's candidacy at the presidential level, Odinga's campaign strategists believe that his direct engagement with African leaders will be a crucial component of their strategy.

The China-Africa Summit also presents an opportunity for Kenya to strengthen its bilateral relations with China, with President Ruto expected to sign several agreements focusing on infrastructure development, trade, and investment. These agreements are part of Kenya's broader strategy to enhance its economic ties with China and leverage the Belt and Road Initiative for national development.