MP Stephen Mule Warns President Ruto of Possible Fallout if Raila Fails AU Bid

MP Stephen Mule has warned President William Ruto that he might face significant difficulties if Raila Odinga does not win the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Mule’s warning comes after Ruto’s recent visit to Nyanza, which began on Wednesday.

During his visit, President Ruto spoke highly of Raila Odinga, praising his long experience and leadership qualities. Ruto argued that Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship is crucial for Eastern Africa, as it reflects the region’s commitment to contributing to AU leadership through inter-regional rotation. This endorsement was highlighted during the official launch of Odinga’s bid at State House, just a day before Ruto’s tour of Nyanza.

MP Stephen Mule criticized Ruto for what he sees as a premature visit to Nyanza. According to Mule, Ruto should have waited until the outcome of Odinga’s bid was clear. He suggested that Ruto’s visit might lead to problems if Odinga does not win the AUC position, given the high expectations from the Nyanza residents. Mule’s warning indicates that the local support for Odinga is strong, and any failure in his bid could have political repercussions for Ruto.

Raila Odinga is facing strong competition for the AUC chairmanship. Candidates from Djibouti, Madagascar, and Mauritius have also declared their interest in the position. Despite these challenges, Odinga has received endorsements from several prominent African leaders. Among his supporters are Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu. Nigeria, Rwanda, and Burundi have also expressed their support for Odinga’s candidacy.

In response to these challenges, President Ruto has set up a dedicated team to support Odinga’s campaign. This team is led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Ambassador Elkana Odembo. Their role is to coordinate efforts across the continent to strengthen Odinga’s bid and ensure that he has the necessary support to succeed.

Raila Odinga has outlined his vision for the AUC, focusing on transforming it into a more people-centered organization. He has proposed several key reforms, including the introduction of an AU visa to ease movement across Africa and boost intra-African trade. These reforms are aimed at improving the effectiveness and inclusivity of the AUC.

As the current AUC Chair, Moussa Faki, is set to leave office early next year, the competition for the position is heating up. Odinga’s campaign is intensifying as he seeks to secure the role.