Kenya’s Past AU Leadership Attempts and Raila Odinga’s Upcoming AUC Bid

by Bill Choja Okane February 14, 2025, 8:25 am 78.3k Views

Kenya's former WTO General Council chair Amina Mohamed attends a press conference following her hearing before 164 member states' representatives, as part of the application process to head the World Trade Organization (WTO) as Director General in Geneva. - The eight candidates battling to become the next head of the beleaguered World Trade Organization make their pitches this week, with three days of auditions started on July 15, 2020. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

As the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election looms on Saturday, February 15, all eyes will be on Addis Ababa. Kenyans are particularly keen on the outcome, as opposition leader Raila Odinga is vying for the coveted continental position.

Raila faces stiff competition from Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Yousouff and Madagascar’s Richard J. Randriamandrato, both of whom boast impressive credentials in leadership. However, if Odinga triumphs, he will make history as the first Kenyan to win the AUC chairmanship.

But is Raila the first Kenyan to contest for this prestigious position?

Contrary to a recent statement by Ida Odinga, who claimed that Raila is the first Kenyan to vie for the role, there has been a previous attempt by a Kenyan. In 2017, Amina Mohamed, Kenya’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, ran for the AUC chairmanship but was defeated by Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Amina’s loss, however, doesn’t tell the full story. She secured a strong lead with 16 votes in the first round, but the election dragged on for seven more rounds, as the rules required a two-thirds majority for a winner. Ultimately, Faki triumphed in the seventh round with 38 votes, surpassing the necessary threshold.

The loss was partly attributed to Kenya’s inability to sway some of its closest East African allies. Countries like Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, and Tanzania were among those who did not back Amina in the critical rounds. Moreover, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s early exit from the AU complex without engaging the media or other leaders was also seen as a misstep that may have hurt Kenya’s chances.

Kenya’s quest for continental leadership continued in 2021, when Justice William Ouko was nominated for a position on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). However, like Amina Mohamed, he too failed to secure the role.

Despite these setbacks, there is renewed optimism surrounding Raila’s AUC bid. Unlike his predecessors, Raila enjoys greater popularity and support across the African continent, positioning him as a strong contender in the upcoming election.