Ruto, Raila Step Up AUC Campaign Efforts

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga are campaigning for the prominent position of chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The February election is crucial for the continent and has significant repercussions for Kenya as it approaches the 2027 general elections. On Christmas Eve, President Ruto met with the outgoing AUC chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in Narok. During this meeting, Ruto expressed the need for reforms within the African Union to increase its operational efficiency and better serve the continent's needs.

He shared updates about the discourse on AU reforms and the impending AUC chairperson election, for which Odinga is a candidate. Odinga's campaign team perceives Ruto's engagement with Mahamat as indicative of Ruto's vested interest in the upcoming AUC elections. For Ruto, securing this chairperson position would not only enhance Odinga's standing as a regional leader but also confer direct influence on Kenya in continental matters.

Moreover, Odinga's election to this post would serve to solidify his political legacy and enhance his international profile. Korir Sing’oei, who heads Odinga’s campaign and serves as the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, conveys confidence in Odinga’s potential to win the AUC chairmanship. He underscores the need for a unifying leader capable of unlocking Africa’s vast potential, citing Odinga's extensive experience and statesmanship.

Political analysts suggest that a victory for Odinga could benefit Ruto, as it might encourage Odinga to support Ruto in the 2027 elections. Should Odinga take the AUC chairperson role, he may lean towards maintaining support for Ruto rather than backing an opposition candidate, given the political dynamics surrounding the possibility of Kenya withdrawing backing for Odinga.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has dismissed speculation that Odinga would resign from the AUC chairmanship mid-term to contest the Kenyan presidency if elected. If Odinga wins, he will have completed two years of service by the time of the next General Election in Kenya. The AUC chairperson serves a four-year term, renewable once.

Osotsi highlights Odinga's pan-African agenda, which encompasses priorities such as infrastructure development, human rights, resource management, economic empowerment, and enhancing freedoms for the African populace. Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized Odinga, linking his unsuccessful bid for a previous AU position to protests he led against the government.

Political figure and businessman Jimi Wanjigi notes that Odinga’s relationship with Ruto could be jeopardized if he does not secure the AUC post. He suggests that Ruto's reliance on Odinga may be more pivotal than his previous alliance with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, indicating the dynamic nature of their political ties in the context of the AUC chairmanship election.