Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has thrown his weight behind Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, declaring him the most qualified contender for the position.
In an interview on a local TV station on February 3, 2025, Wandayi highlighted Raila’s extensive experience in leadership roles as a key factor in his suitability for the AUC chairmanship.
He emphasized that Odinga’s dedication to pan-African ideals embodies the essential qualities needed for such a position.
“I would really love to see Raila Odinga, a person under whose feet I hone my political skills, clinch the position of AUC not just because he is my mentor but because he has all the qualifications to occupy that position. There is no more deserving African than Raila Odinga to occupy that position,” Wandayi stated.
The Cabinet Secretary also noted the national prestige that Kenya would gain if Raila were to secure the seat.
“It will also be a great honour to Kenya to have one of its iconic sons ascend to such a high position. It would bring a great honour to this country, and it would help us to leverage our engagement on the African and global stage,” Wandayi added.
Raila’s AUC campaign
Meanwhile, Raila has intensified his diplomatic outreach across the continent ahead of the February 2025 poll.
His recent campaign efforts have taken him to North Africa, where he met with Egyptian President Abdelfattah El-Sisi alongside Kenyan President William Ruto on January 29, 2025.
Earlier, on January 22, he held discussions with Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties and address continental issues.
Prior to his North African tour, Odinga conducted extensive campaigns across the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region, meeting with leaders in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Notable engagements included discussions with Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa and newly inaugurated Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo.
Raila’s growing support
In West Africa, Guinea-Bissau has joined the list of countries endorsing Raila Odinga’s candidacy.
During a joint press statement at State House with visiting Guinea-Bissau President Sissoco Embaló on January 25, 2025, President William Ruto expressed gratitude for the support extended to Odinga in the region.
“I want to sincerely thank you for supporting Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC), as I informed you early last year. I would also like to especially recognize your efforts in not only supporting Raila Odinga but also in canvassing support for him in Western Africa,” Ruto remarked.
Countries that have openly supported Raila include Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Algeria, Seychelles, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Malawi, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, and Togo, among others.
