Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has confirmed that Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship is gaining momentum, with at least 23 African nations pledging their support.
Barasa, in a statement on Sunday, listed a host of countries that have assured their backing for the former Kenyan Prime Minister, signaling growing continental consensus around Odinga’s candidacy.
“I am pleased to confirm that the following countries have assured their support for Raila Odinga: Togo, Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, DRC, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Seychelles, Mauritius, Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, Algeria, South Sudan, Egypt, Liberia, Eswatini, Nigeria, and Eritrea,” Barasa announced.
Kenya’s Vote and President Ruto’s Assurance
Amid online debate surrounding Kenya’s stance, Barasa downplayed local opposition, emphasizing that Kenya holds just one vote in the AU elections. He further assured that President William Ruto is fully behind Odinga’s bid.
“To those making noise on Facebook and X, Kenya has ONE vote, and President William Ruto has assured me—Baba, it is,” Barasa declared, using the popular moniker for Raila Odinga.
His statement comes amid speculation over Kenya’s political unity regarding Odinga’s candidacy, with some factions questioning the government’s level of support.
Call for Unity in African Leadership
Barasa urged Kenyans and the wider African continent to rally behind Odinga, framing his potential leadership as an opportunity for a stronger, more unified Africa.
“Let’s rally behind a united Africa and solid leadership at the AU,” he said.
If elected, Odinga would succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat as AUC Chairperson, becoming the first Kenyan to hold the influential continental post. His candidacy continues to shape regional diplomatic engagements ahead of the AU elections set for 2025.
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