Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga has stepped up his campaigns for the African Union (AU) Commission chairperson. Raila Odinga during the meeting with Paul Kagame. The former prime minister has been traversing the continent in a bid to get votes from influential heads of state. Who is the latest to endorse Raila’s bid On Friday, March 8, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame hosted Raila in Kigali, where they are believed to have discussed the forthcoming AUC election and Raila’s bid. The Rwandan head of state promised his support for Raila’s bid, saying that the former premier had much to offer the continent. Kagame further recognised Raila’s leadership skills, deep understanding of the continent, and vast experience stemming from his past stint at AU as a high representative of infrastructure development. On his part, Raila thanked Kagame for his support, adding that they are committed to fostering African unity. “Had an insightful conversation with President @PaulKagame in Kigali, diving into regional and Pan-African ideals. We are committed to African unity and solidarity for shared prosperity and progress,” he said. Which presidents have promised to vote for Raila On Thursday, February 29, Raila said he had courted support from six presidents and was reaching out to more. Already backing him are Kenya’s President William Ruto, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Felix Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and South Sudan’s Salva Kir. “I also want him on board. Mama Suluhu has already said she will vote for me. Now, Salva Kiir has agreed. I want to sweep all of East Africa. Then, I am heading to the south; recently, I talked to Ramaphosa, and he said yes,” Raila revealed.
by Didacus Malowa