Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly endorsed Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, just a day before the crucial elections.
Taking to his social media accounts on Friday, February 14, 2025, Gachagua expressed confidence in Odinga’s leadership, stating that he is the best candidate to steer the African Union forward. He highlighted Odinga’s Pan-African credentials and global perspective, emphasizing that Africa would be in safe hands under his leadership.
“Kenya’s finest, Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga, is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best. There is no doubt about Raila’s worldview and championship for African people,” Gachagua wrote.
He further noted that Africa needs a unifying leader who can bridge the divide between Anglophone and Francophone nations, fostering a more cohesive continent.
“As a continent, we need a @RailaOdinga character to gel the Anglophone and the Francophone selves towards the continent of the future. His win in Addis Ababa imprints his quest for the Pan-African spirit he has lived and championed,” he added.
The AUC elections are set to take place tomorrow, February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. African heads of state will vote for the next Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. According to AU guidelines, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority, with multiple voting rounds if necessary.
The election is expected to be highly competitive, with Raila Odinga’s candidacy receiving strong backing from Kenya’s leadership. If no candidate secures the required votes after three rounds, the process will be narrowed down to the top two contenders, with further voting rounds determining the winner.