Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has formally launched his campaign for the position of African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson. The election to choose a successor for Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat is scheduled for the AU summit in February 2025. Odinga shared his vision and policy agenda with the media in Addis Ababa, outlining his goals for the organization if elected.
In a speech that covered various topics, Odinga highlighted his priorities, including a focus on economic development, enhancing intra-African trade, and tackling climate change, with particular attention to large-scale continental infrastructure projects. Known as a champion of pan-Africanism, Odinga emphasized the need for stronger standards among AU member states, stating, “What we need are basic minimum standards that must be upheld for a country to retain Union membership. The African peer review mechanism exists, but it’s crucial that we take its reports seriously, implement recommendations, and strengthen democracy.”
Aiming to conclude his political career with distinction, the five-time Kenyan presidential candidate must now convince 54 member states of his readiness, at age 80, to take on a potential four-year term, renewable once. Odinga faces three competitors in this electoral bid: Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Mauritius’s Anil Gayan, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Raila Odinga is supported in his candidacy by his political opponent, President William Ruto.