Kalonzo throws his weight behind Raila’s candidacy on the eve of AUC elections

Kalonzo throws his weight behind Raila’s candidacy on the eve of AUC elections

On the eve of a highly anticipated vote for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, political heavyweight Kalonzo Musyoka has thrown his weight behind former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy, calling him a leader who can unlock Africa’s future.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, February 14, 2025, Kalonzo, a longtime ally and former political rival of Raila, made a compelling case for the veteran opposition leader’s bid to head the continental body.

His endorsement comes just ahead of the AUC elections, scheduled for February 15–16, where Raila is vying to replace the outgoing chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

“These are unprecedented times, certainly in Africa’s remarkable documented and unwritten history,” Kalonzo wrote.

“We now need men and women—young and getting along—who have dared to dream, weathered the storm, and, guided in selflessness, to help steer this amazing continent’s present and future,” he added.

Kalonzo, a former vice president and Wiper party leader, described Raila as an enigma whose resilience and commitment to democracy have shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.

He referenced Babafemi Badejo’s 2016 biography, Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan Politics, as an apt characterization of Baba’s indelible influence on the nation and beyond.

“When Raila made his intention clear that he would be vying for the African Union Commission presidency, my immediate thought was, ‘Well done, my brother,’” Kalonzo stated.

He went on to praise Raila’s ability to forgive and work alongside even those who had once opposed him, likening his conciliatory approach to that of Nelson Mandela.

Raila’s candidacy for the AUC chairmanship has garnered significant attention across Africa, with supporters highlighting his vision for economic integration, continental infrastructure development, and conflict resolution.

Kalonzo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Raila’s commitment to fast-tracking the implementation of Africa’s infrastructure master plan, a project he previously championed as the AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development.

“His commitment to ensuring our continent receives the respect it deserves globally and occupies its rightful place in her affairs rekindles the aspirations of Pan-Africanists across generations,” Kalonzo wrote.

“Raila’s vision for our beloved continent resonates with Africans on the continent and globally.”

In his statement, Kalonzo also underscored Raila’s pledge to silence the guns in Africa, an AU initiative aimed at ending armed conflicts and fostering peace.

He asserted that Raila’s leadership would play a crucial role in strengthening democracy, human rights, and the inclusion of marginalized groups across the continent.

Raila, who has been actively lobbying for support from African leaders, has positioned himself as a unifying figure with a deep understanding of Africa’s challenges and opportunities.

His extensive political experience and pan-African ideals have made him a formidable contender in the race for the top AU job.

“As a friend, brother, political party coalition partner, and African with Africa’s best interests at heart, I believe Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga’s recorded promises, which have been archived for posterity, have the potential to help our beloved continent reach its full potential,” Kalonzo affirmed.

The AUC elections, which will be held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are expected to be a closely watched affair.

Raila’s bid has received endorsements from key African leaders and organizations advocating for a more progressive and integrated continent.

As the election looms, Kalonzo’s backing adds another layer of momentum to Raila’s campaign, reinforcing his position as a leading contender to shape the future of the African Union in the coming years.