NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 18 – The government says it fully backs opposition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the top African Union (AU) Commission job.
Speaking during a press conference, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura described it as a defining moment for the nation and urged all leaders to put aside their political differences and rally behind Odinga.
While urging Kenyans not to read to much in the government’s actions, mwaura described the opposition leader as a statesman who would take Kenya and the continent to greater heights.
“If he gets an opportunity to serve us at the AU as the chair, we as Kenyans forget all our differences and rally behind a fellow Kenya. If Mr. Odinga has expressed interest, we would rather have him there because when he is there the interests of Kenya are taken care of. We as government fully support his candidature,” stated Mwaura.
He described the opposition chief as a formidable candidate who has over the years gained respect across the African continent.
Mwaura’s assertions put to rest doubts of the William Ruto led administration support for Odinga.
On Saturday, the ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) threw its weight behind the former premier, terming him as a statesman and ‘a luminary in African politics.’
“The right Honorable Raila Odinga is undoubtable an African luminary of unmatched capability. We join many across the continent in restating that Honorable Odinga deserved the AU chairmanship given his distinguished accolades and contribution to the social political landscape of the East African Region and Africa as a whole,” Malala stated.
Odinga continues to receive endorsement from different quotas in what is set to be a test for one of Kenya’s most acclaimed politicians to be at the helm of Africa’s affairs.