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| President William Ruto speaks during the launch of Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairmanship bid |
President William Ruto on Tuesday announced the secretariat that will spearhead former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s campaigns for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Speaking during the unveiling of Raila’s candidature at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the Secretariat will be led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singóei and former Kenyan Ambassador to the United States, Elkanah Odembo.
He said the secretariat will consist of members from all the five regions in Africa.
“To assist in making the case for Raila Odinga, I also unveil the secretariat which will be led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singóei and Ambassador Elkanah Odembo
“It will also include a diverse membership drawn from five regions of the African Union,” Ruto said.
He went on to state that the duty they will have at the African Union will be to serve all Africans.
He said the job is to bring the people of the continent together.
“The assignment we are called upon to undertake at the African Union is the work of all Africans for all Africans and a noble course to bring our people and nations in touch with the glorious future we all deserve.”
Following the launch, Raila will now start the most critical part of the process which will be reaching out to other African Countries to support his bid.
The AU Commission elections will be held in February next year.
Raila is facing competition from Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar).
by BRIAN ORUTA