Kenyan leaders Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi have unveiled a strategic roadmap for Odinga’s bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The announcement follows significant diplomatic efforts at the African Union’s recent sessions in Addis Ababa, where the Executive Council decided that the Eastern Africa region should submit candidates for the AUC chairmanship, a major boost for Odinga’s candidacy.

Odinga, endorsed by prominent African leaders such as former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has already started his campaign, with Kenya’s former ambassador to the U.S., Elkanah Odembo, leading these efforts.

President William Ruto has also thrown his support behind Odinga, emphasizing that Odinga’s leadership at the AU could significantly benefit the continent by promoting free trade and economic growth.

This regional backing, coupled with the AU’s decision to drop gender and rotation hurdles, positions Odinga strongly for the February 2025 election for the AUC Chairperson.