South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir was among the dignitaries who graced the official launch of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on Tuesday.
The launch held at the State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, marked a significant endorsement of Raila from East African nations.
Others in attendance were presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Samia Suluhu of Tanzania. Burundi was represented by Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, and Rwanda by former Defense Minister James Kabarebe.
Each leader voiced strong support for Odinga, emphasizing his Pan-African credentials and commitment to regional and continental progress.
President Kiir praised Odinga’s dedication to African prosperity and urged the region to back his candidacy.
“My presence here today is to confirm that the South Sudan endorsement of this decision is in place. I have known the Right Hon Raila Odiga for many years and his pan-African Commitment and his consistency is admirable, his zeal and pan-African prosperity will be of great value to the African Union,” Kiir said.
President Suluhu highlighted Odinga’s contributions to the African Union’s founding goals and stressed the need for institutional reforms within the AU. Ndirakobuca emphasized the historical ties between Burundi and Kenya and expressed confidence in Odinga’s qualifications.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Museveni also offered their endorsements, reflecting on Odinga’s leadership qualities and the broader implications for Africa’s future.
Odinga’s bid symbolizes a collective East African ambition for the AU’s top position.