In a surprising turn of events, former Deputy President of Kenya Rigathi Gachagua has publicly endorsed Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). This endorsement, coming just days before the highly anticipated AUC elections scheduled for Saturday, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Kenya, where Gachagua and Odinga have previously found themselves on opposing sides.
In a heartfelt message, Gachagua praised Odinga as “Kenya’s finest” and “the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship.” He emphasized that Africa deserves strong leadership, highlighting Raila’s commitment to championing the interests of the continent’s people. Gachagua’s statement reflects a growing sentiment that Odinga’s leadership is essential for bridging the divide between Anglophone and Francophone nations, fostering unity and collaboration across the continent.
Gachagua noted, ” A Raila win in Addis Ababa would imprint his quest for a Pan-African spirit that he has lived and championed throughout his career.” His endorsement comes as a surprise to many, especially considering Odinga’s involvement in the impeachment proceedings against Gachagua during his tenure as Deputy President. This reconciliation illustrates the complexities of Kenyan politics, where alliances can shift unexpectedly in favor of a greater cause.
As Odinga prepares to face formidable opponents—including Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato—Gachagua’s support could prove pivotal in galvanizing additional backing for Odinga’s candidacy.
Gachagua concluded his best wish for Raila in a statement with optimism, asserting, “Raila Odinga’s win will be good and progressive for Africa. His victory will be a win for Kenya, our motherland.” As the continent watches closely, the dynamics of this election may not only redefine leadership within the African Union but also reshape the political landscape in Kenya itself.
With just days to go, all eyes are on Addis Ababa as Raila Odinga seeks to elevate his Pan-African vision to new heights, backed by an unexpected ally.
