By Bosco Bush
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to witness the endorsement of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission in 2025.
The inaugural ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 27, and is expected to be attended by other East African heads of state.
According to the office of the President, Kiir was invited to the event by his Kenyan counterpart, William Samoei Ruto.
As the Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), Kiir will work with the partner states to support the right candidate representing the regional bloc.
During the visit, President Kiir is also expected to receive a “comprehensive update” on the progress of the Tumaini Initiative for Peace in South Sudan, which is taking place in Nairobi.
Raila Odinga, a 79-year-old veteran politician who previously served as the Prime Minister of Kenya, is currently the AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
He is vying for the AU’s top seat in 2025, with the aim of fostering and strengthening African unity, economic development, cooperation, and integration.
Odinga is competing against other potential candidates, including Anil Gayan from Mauritius, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
There will also be the launch of his campaign website, which was set up by the government to help boost his prospects, according to the East African.
Mr Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, noted that the campaigns will be led by highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals to ensure a well-coordinated, targeted and result-oriented output.
Dr Ruto is expected to name the team of strategists who will work jointly with Mr Odinga’s team in the joint secretariat to intensify regional campaigns and shuttle diplomacy to secure the AUC post.
Mr Odinga had already named his team which is composed of experienced diplomats, including former Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) Executive Secretary Mahboub Maalim, former Kenyan ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, Ambassador Anthony Okara, as well as Prof Makau Mutua and former Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr Caroline Karugu.