Samia arrives in Nairobi for Odinga’s AUC campaign unveiling

NAIROBI: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, to attend the unveiling of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson ahead of the February 2025 elections.

President Samia’s visit follows an invitation from her Kenyan counterpart, President Samwel Rutto.

The event will also see the presence of other East African Community (EAC) Heads of State.

The commissioning will be spearheaded by President William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi.

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Dr Ruto is expected to name the team of strategists who will work jointly with Mr Odinga’s team in the joint secretariat to intensify regional campaigns and shuttle diplomacy to secure the AUC post.

Mr. Odinga, who seeks to succeed the outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, is facing competition from three other contenders: Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

Moussa Faki’s second term at the helm of the AUC is coming to an end, prompting the need for new leadership.

Mr. Odinga has already assembled a team of experienced diplomats to support his bid, including former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, former Kenyan ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, Ambassador Anthony Okara, as well as Prof. Makau Mutua and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu.