Environment and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has exuded optimism of a Raila Odinga victory in the forthcoming African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson election.
Speaking on Sunday, February 1, 2025, while appearing on a local TV, the CS pegged his assertion on an elaborate diplomatic charm offensive trips across the continent undertaken by the former PM.
The Environment CS also cited the engagements by President William Ruto in supporting and campaigning for Odinga as crucial in securing the seat.
“Raila is going to win that seat. So far he has met close to 40 presidents and from the numbers he is winning. We know the heads of state who will vote for him. In the neighbouring region, for instance, 11 out of 14 presidents will be voting for him,” he said.
“He has done enough campaigns by visiting close to 40 capitals of Africa. States. President William Ruto has done a massive job in terms of campaigning and convincing his fellow head of state. It’s a critical office for Kenya and the president has done quite a lot,” Duale remarked.
Duale has further challenged the media to boost Odinga’s bid with positive coverage, emphasizing that a positive portrayal by Kenyan media can consolidate Raila’s tidings in the race.
“All that is remaining is for the media to play its role. Give more positive stories on his candidature. I know many in the political scene don’t want him to leave local politics as many careers will come to an end,” Duale added.
AUC elections
The AUC elections are scheduled for February 15-16, 2025.
Raila will be battling against two candidates in Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs Richard Randriamandrato.
The AU AUC stated that there will be two phases to the elections. The first phase will run between February 12-13, 2025, while the second will be between February 15-16, 2025.
In the first phase, the AU Executive Council, comprising foreign ministers from member states, will elect and appoint the commissioners who will oversee various portfolios within the AU Commission.
This will set the stage for the second phase, the highly anticipated process that will see candidates vying for the top leadership position elected after the opening ceremony of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State.
For the Deputy Chairperson position, the six candidates vying for the position include Salah Francis and Selma Malika from Algeria, Mohamed Ahmed Fathi and Hanan Morsy from Egypt, Najat M. Elhajjaji from Libya, and Latifa Akharbach from Morocco.
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