Gachagua Endorses Rival Odinga for African Union Commission Chair

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly endorsed opposition leader Raila Odinga for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

This endorsement comes just hours before the scheduled election, in which 49 African Heads of State will elect a successor to the current chair Moussa Faki. Gachagua has expressed his support via his official X account, commending Odinga’s commitment to pan-Africanism and extensive leadership experience. He states, “Kenya's finest, Raila Odinga, is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best, and there is no doubt about Raila's worldview and championing of the African people.”

Despite a longstanding political rivalry, Gachagua emphasizes the need for a unifying leader like Odinga to bridge the historical divide between the Anglophone and Francophone blocs on the continent. “As a continent, we need a Raila Odinga character to gel the Anglophone and Francophone selves towards the continent of the future,” he adds, highlighting a significant shift in the political dynamics within African leadership as the election approaches.

Enhancing Odinga's candidacy, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru has also voiced her support, praising his leadership qualities and dedication to regional integration. Waiguru expresses confidence in Odinga’s ability to propel the continent’s development forward if elected. Odinga faces competition from Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato and Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in the election taking place on February 15.

“His leadership, dedication to Pan-Africanism, and commitment to regional integration have left a lasting impact,” Waiguru remarks.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has lauded former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's comments on Raila Odinga, describing them as patriotic. Sing’Oei emphasizes that Gachagua’s remarks reflect a unifying sentiment, stating, “There is more that unites than divides us as a Nation.”

Currently in Addis Ababa, Raila Odinga is vying for the position against Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar in a pivotal election set to take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025. According to the African Union's regulations, the election will be conducted by secret ballot and will continue until a candidate secures the approval of two-thirds of the 55 AU member states, a requirement amounting to 33 votes.