Karen Nyamu and Raila share dance moment in Addis Ababa before AUC vote
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu had a lively moment with Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission chairpersonship, Raila Odinga, in Addis Ababa on Friday, February 14, 2025, as she got him into the groove with a dance while they dined ahead of the crucial polls tomorrow.
In a video shared on X by Senator Hamida Kibwana, Karen is seen making her way from a group of other Kenyan politicians who had attended a luncheon hosted by Raila before she begins to dance and sway with him.
An exhilarated Raila is seen taking her by the hands, lifting them high as Karen responded with perfectly synchronized dance moves, their eyes locking as the celebration at the luncheon escalated in energy.
The two danced to Eric Wainaina’s song Mkenya Daima, led by Homa Bay County Governor Millicent Omanga, with other attendees—including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Kericho County Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, and Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku—singing along with enthusiasm.
The leaders are part of a high-profile delegation of Kenyan politicians who have flocked to Addis Ababa in a show of support for Raila as he vies for the prestigious position of the AU Commission’s 6th chair.
In photos shared by Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga from the same event, the leaders are captured in high spirits, seated around a lavishly set table where an assortment of delicacies was spread, with Baba seated at the central far-end chair, soaking in the camaraderie.
Taking to her X, Omanga hailed the moment, stating that the dance and festivity reflected their high hopes for Raila’s victory and that they were simply easing the tension as they kept their fingers crossed.
“A luncheon for the Kenyan delegation with Baba ahead of tomorrow’s crucial penultimate election for the AUC Chairpersonship; we remain hopeful and keep our fingers crossed for victory go Baba go,” Wanga’s post on Facebook on Friday, February 14, 2025, read her X post.
Endorsements
As Raila eyes the AUC post, he has secured a wave of endorsements from various groups and politicians across the country.
Among those who have thrown their weight behind Raila on the eve of his election is the Mau Mau War Veterans Association, which noted that he possesses the vision and leadership Africa needs to move forward.
“Raila understands the political, economic, and social challenges that plague the African continent. He possesses the ability to unite the African people without bias and spearhead the development of sustainable economic infrastructure.”
“Raila has the vision to establish industrial hubs and an extensive road network connecting all African nations. He is an invaluable asset to Africa.”
“We, the Mau Mau War Veterans Association, unequivocally support the election of Raila Amolo Odinga to the chairmanship of the AU Commission. We urge all African heads of government to elect Raila for the prosperity of Africa,” the veterans’ statement read.
Also voicing his support is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who, despite his past political differences with Raila, lauded him as the best candidate for the AU Commission chairmanship.
“Kenya’s finest, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, is undeniably the best candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship Africa deserves the best, and Raila’s global perspective and unwavering advocacy for African unity make him the ideal choice.”
“As a continent, we need a @RailaOdinga type of leader to bridge the divide between Anglophone and Francophone Africa and drive us towards a future of unity and progress His victory in Addis Ababa will solidify his lifelong commitment to the Pan-African dream he has championed. Raila Odinga’s triumph would be a monumental win not just for Kenya but for Africa as a whole,” Gachagua stated.
