Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli is now vouching for ODM leader Raila Odinga to succeed Moussa Faki at the African Union Commission (AUC) as its chairperson.
Faki's second and last term in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, lapses by March 2025.
Kenya's opposition leader joined the race after formally declaring his bid on February 15.
“I have been consulting widely. I think if am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better” Raila stated.
Atwoli now says Raila qualifies for the post owing to his rich background and knowledge of the political and socio-economic status of not only Kenya but the larger continent.
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"Raila is up to the task and can do the job. He has been tested and understands the political and social dynamics of our countries. He also understands the boundaries and political differences from the African nationalities," said Atwoli.
The COTU boss said Africa would bank on the former prime minister's expertise in solving conflicts bedevilling various countries in the continent.
For instance, with Raila at the helm of the AUC, the problem in the eastern DRC will be arrested, Atwoli said.
"One of the worst areas in our continent is in DRC. If there is a problem there, it affects us," he said.
The trade unionist drew an instance from Raila's involvement in the restoration of peace in the Ivory Coast.
In a while, this would be the first time Atwoli throws his weight behind Raila, after jumping ship to President William Ruto's camp in 2022 after the elections.
Raila will need support either by consensus or at least a two-thirds majority vote by the 54 AU member states represented by their heads, Kenya's President William Ruto included.
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