Raila Odinga, a veteran Kenyan politician and leader of the opposition, has set his sights on the prestigious position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson. However, his bid faces significant hurdles due to proposed changes in the AU’s election rules. These new regulations, which aim to introduce stricter eligibility criteria, could potentially disqualify Odinga from the race. Despite this, Odinga’s ambition remains undeterred as he seeks to navigate these challenges with the support of the Kenyan government.

The Kenyan government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, has publicly endorsed Odinga’s candidacy. A campaign secretariat has been established to bolster his bid, reflecting a rare moment of cooperation between the two political adversaries. Nevertheless, internal coordination issues have led to delays in the formal submission of Odinga’s application. By June 30, 2024, the government had yet to submit his bid, raising concerns about their commitment and the potential impact on Odinga’s chances. The deadline for submission is fast approaching, with the government racing against time to ensure that all necessary documentation is filed by August 6, 2024. This delay has amplified anxieties about the effectiveness of the campaign and whether the bid will meet the stringent new criteria set by the AU.

In parallel with addressing submission delays, diplomatic efforts are in full swing to garner support for Odinga’s candidature across the African continent. Kenyan envoys have been actively lobbying for endorsements from other member states, emphasizing Odinga’s extensive experience and commitment to African unity. Domestically, Odinga has shown his political acumen by responding supportively to recent Gen Z demonstrations, while simultaneously criticizing the government’s heavy-handed response to these protests. He condemned the administration’s approach, aligning himself with the youth movements and advocating for more progressive policies. The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, with the next few weeks being crucial for Odinga’s campaign. If successful, Odinga could leverage his political acumen and regional backing to secure the AUC Chairperson position. However, failure to meet the AU’s new eligibility criteria or the submission deadline could result in disqualification, significantly impacting his political trajectory.

References:

The Star Why Raila’s bid for AUC top job is yet to be submitted – PS Sing’oei
Nation State in race against time to officially nominate Raila for AUC post

Kenya News Agency Envoys Urged To Popularize Raila Odinga’s AU Bid
The Kenya Times EXPLAINED: New AU Changes That Could Lock Out Raila from Race

The Nairobi Law Monthly Govt yet to submit Odinga name for AUC position

The EastAfrican Kenya to submit Raila’s AUC candidature by June 30