Raila Odinga engages members of the media in Addis on his vision and agenda for the AUC. November 9, 2024. /RAILA ODINGA/XThe intricacies of regional politics require a solid support system for any contender. AUC elections are such that till this moment, no one knows what the outcomes will be.
But as I watch real politique unravel ahead of tomorrow’s elections, my hunch is that that Rt Hon Raila Odinga will emerge as the eventual winner.
The SADC dynamics may actually bolster his chances greatly, and I say this because of my knowledge of the contestant and the contest.
In the previous contest where Kenya put forth Amina Mohamed for the seat, she actually won the first few rounds of the vote but lost in the seventh one to Mousa Faki, who was running for his first term.
Faki is the only Chair of AUC who has ever served two terms.
The then PS for Foreign Affairs Macharia Kamau, has publicly stated that the last vote was lost due to mistakes in statements that returned to bite them.
Kamau affirms that Raila has been measured in his campaign, and he shares my belief that it will pay off finally.
But I digress.
Contests are as greatly fought and conquered as the team that one has by their sides.
The AUC contest is no mean feat. As the enigmatic Raila Odinga has waded through its mire, flying to numerous destinations across the continent to meet and share his vision with other African leaders, I have seen men who have notably spent just as much energy, lost as much sleep, and stood in true support of Raila’s pursuit.
One man stands above them all: H.E. William Samoei Ruto. Regardless of their rivalry in the previous election and possible divergent political lenses, President Ruto has been a true wingman for Rt Hon Raila Odinga in this contest.
As a public policy professional and a keen political student who understands the dynamics of foreign and regional politics, I know only too well how the effort of the President of any candidate goes a long way in such a contest.
The contest requires an overt endorsement of one’s country and systemic support. President Ruto has done just as much.
He has shepherded the country and its talent and resources towards this dream.
The President’s effort has visibly been augmented by Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon Musalia W Mudavadi, who is also the CS for Foreign Affairs, alongside his PS Korir Singoei and the Head of Campaign Amb. Elkanah Odembo among other great members of the team.
Today, I pause to say thank you to the President and his esteemed team for standing with Rt. Hon. Odinga in this great contest.
The effort is predicated on the understanding that a win for Jakom is a win for Kenya, especially in terms of agenda prioritization of Kenya’s needs in the continental table.
I am truly praying that this effort bears good fruit and I know it will.
