President Ruto has called on the East African Community (EAC) to jointly continue supporting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The President said Mr Odinga’s vast experience, dedication to pan-African ideals and commitment to fostering integration make him an excellent candidate to lead the African Union Commission.
He expressed confidence that Mr Odinga’s leadership would give the region and continent a stronger voice.
Consequently, he explained, Mr Odinga will enable the EAC to champion its shared priorities, protect its interests and accelerate Africa’s development agenda.
“I call upon all EAC Partner States to rally behind his candidacy. A united East Africa supporting his bid will not only demonstrate our collective resolve, but also affirm our commitment to shaping the future of our continent,” he said.
President Ruto made the remarks during the official opening of the 14th Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Mombasa County.
Legislators from seven of the eight EAC Member States – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo – are taking part in the week-long games.
Somalia, the newest member State to join the EAC, is not participating but was represented by officials who pledged to take part in the event next year.
The games feature football, netball, volleyball, basketball and athletics, among other sports.
The President noted that the games provide an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and deepen the bonds of friendship as neighbours and partners.
At the same time, he said the EAC is pursuing initiatives to harmonise policies, expand infrastructure networks and enhance cross-border trade to strengthen regional integration.
The President pointed out that these efforts are helping to build a more competitive and inclusive East Africa. As a result, the EAC has become the most progressive economic community in Africa, leading the integration of the continent.
“The integration of Africa will be led by the integration of East Africa,” he said. “If the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement is going to be a reality, the engine will be in East Africa.”
The President cited the proposed construction of the dual carriageway connecting Tanzania and Kenya’s coastal towns, and the plan to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to the Democratic Republic of Congo as key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional integration.
President Ruto, who is also the Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, said he is keen on fostering deeper integration, economic growth and shared prosperity in the region.
He said he is committed to championing the principles of the EAC Treaty, which unite and bind the member States.
“These principles include enhancing collaboration, fostering trade and investment, and improving the quality of life for the people of East Africa,” he said.
He called for closer collaboration in an effort to build strong and integrated institutions that break down barriers, promote understanding and unite the region across social, cultural and economic spheres.
“I must emphasise this: Just as a team must work in harmony to achieve victory, leaders and nations must also align our efforts to realise the full potential of the EAC,” he said.
The President said Kenya is committed to supporting continental initiatives that will elevate East Africa’s position in Africa.
“By leveraging the vast resources and potential of our people, we can transform East Africa into a global economic powerhouse,” he said.
Present were parliamentary Speakers Moses Wetang’ula (National Assembly), Amason Kingi (Senate) and Joseph Ntakirutimana (East African Legislative Assembly) and MPs.
Others were Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Trade), Hassan Joho (Mining), Governors Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi) and MPs among others.
