President Salva Kiir Mayardit attended a gathering of regional leaders in Nairobi, where Raila Odinga was officially unveiled as a candidate for the prestigious continental position in the upcoming February 2025 elections.
During the event, President Kiir pledged South Sudan’s backing for Odinga and called on the East African Community to unite behind Kenya’s bid for the top AU role, emphasizing the significance of this moment for the region on the continental stage.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who hosted the event, underscored that the assembly of leaders in Nairobi demonstrated the region’s strong solidarity and commitment to revitalizing Africa.
Odinga, in outlining his vision, promised to transform the AU into a more people-centered organization and to collaborate with African heads of state to enhance continental integration and promote Africa’s welfare.
Raila Odinga faces competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, Mauritius’s former Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and former Madagascar Prime Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
This event marked the start of Odinga’s official campaign to succeed the outgoing AU Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.
Odinga’s candidacy has gained momentum as both international and local leaders have shown strong support for his bid.
