The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has formally expressed support for opposition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, addressing the press on Saturday, heaped praise on the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party boss terming him a “true Pan-Africanist.”
Malala stated that the President William Ruto-led party’s resolve to back Mr. Odinga’s bid was not a political decision, but rather a patriotic one made to raise the country’s profile and image on the continental scene.
“We welcome Raila’s decision to take up the AU position…Raila is an African luminary…He deserves the position based on his contribution to the continent, and will immensely contribute to African unity. Raila has proved himself as a true Pan-Africanist. When Africa was going through dictatorship, Raila was there to condemn it…he adds up to Africa’s great sons, and played a big role in African democracy.” Said Malala.
“UDA party is mindful of the need to come together as a country to support our own. Our party supporters are therefore asked to support Raila…This is not a political statement, it is a patriotic statement.” He added.
The backing by the ruling party comes after Mr. Odinga’s own Azimio coalition yesterday endorsed his bid, expressing confidence and optimism that the former Prime Minister was the man for the job.
The opposition party cited what it termed as Mr. Odinga’s unwavering commitment to respect for the rule of law, democracy, and the general welfare of the people as the pillars of his candidature.
“As Azimio coalition, we welcome and congratulate our party leader for the bold step of putting his name forward for consideration of this most important role to the African continent and its people. We fully support his decision and we shall back his candidature to our fullest capacity,” the party said in a statement on Friday.”
