President William Ruto has secured Ghana’s endorsement for the former Prime Minister’s bid for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson ahead of the February 2025 elections.
The endorsement comes as Kenya steps up its charm offensive to convince regional leaders to support Odinga's candidacy to succeed the incumbent, Moussa Faki, who has served in the position since March 14, 2017.
Speaking on Wednesday, during a joint briefing with his Ghanaian counterpart Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra, President Ruto said that Kenya would, in reciprocity, back Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth for the period 2024–2029.
“I thank you for accepting to support Kenya’s candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission 2025-2028, which has been initiated following a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process across governments,” he said.
The Head of State said Kenya’s candidature is informed by its leading role in enhancing and sustaining the pan-African agenda.
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He singled out the push for independence and sovereignty, peace and security development and prosperity, sustainability, and climate action among priority areas for African countries.
Ruto said the two bids present an opportunity for Kenya and Ghana to collaborate for mutual benefit.
He expressed Kenya’s commitment to working with all African States to propel the region forward in development and security.
“We hope to work with all as we try to achieve Africa’s 2063 agenda.”
President Ruto assured his Ghanaian counterpart of his support and Kenya’s commitment to working with Ghana further to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two states.
On March 15, the African Union unanimously adopted the right of the Eastern Africa region to produce the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission in the February 2025 elections.
