President William Ruto has announced a breakthrough in fielding Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Addressing the East African Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, March 5, Ruto stated that all Presidents in the East African Community have agreed to support one candidate.
The member states are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
Ruto explained that the decision to field one candidate came after a series of meetings.
"In the spirit of the East African Community, we have consulted as the Head of States and we have agreed to sponsor one candidate because that is the strength of our community that we can do things together," Ruto announced.
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According to President Ruto, the East African Community would stand a better chance of winning the AUC seat if they remain united.
Ruto's statement comes after reports indicated that Somalia had begun lobbying for its former Foreign Affairs minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam to be the next African Union Commission Chairperson, competing with Raila.
“By running for the chairperson of the AU, I aim to strengthen the bonds between African countries and work towards a more united and integrated continent," she stated.
It is however not clear if she will shelve her ambition in support of Raila's bid.
Despite the looming competition, the Kenya Kwanza administration has continued to popularise Raila's candidature for the top regional job.
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