US Ambassador Meg Whitman Backs Raila Odinga's AUC Bid: "It Will Be Great Deal For Kenya"

• The United States of America Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, said she has great respect for ODM leader Raila Odinga
• The diplomat said she was excited about the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader vying for the African Union Commission( AUC) chairmanship position
• She argued that winning the continental seat would be of great importance to Kenya and the East African Community

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The United States of America Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, has endorsed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga's African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid.

Why Raila Odinga's AUC seat win will be important

Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, May 15, Whitman said she has great respect for the ODM leader and holds him in high regard.

The US diplomat said she was excited about Raila's candidature for the AUC seat, arguing that it would benefit East Africa and Kenya.

"I am excited about his potential to run the African Union, and it will be good for East Africa and probably a great deal for Kenya. We recently met and had a nice conversation, and I have a lot of respect for him," Whitman said.

The US ambassador revisited her remarks that the 2022 presidential election was free and fair.

"For what we saw, the 2022 General Election was free and fair. I understand politics," she added.

What did Raila, Whitman talk about

The endorsement comes a few days after the ODM leader hosted Whitman at his residence, where they discussed a myriad of issues.

Unlike when Raila threatened to initiate the process of recalling Whitman, the two leaders looked friendly as they took photos together.

In a statement on Friday, April 3, the former premiers revealed having a deep conversation with Whitman on matters affecting Kenya.

Apart from investment and the floods ravaging the country, Raila said his AU candidature was also on the agenda of the meeting.

What you need to know about Raila Odinga's AUC bid

• Citing experience and commitment to championing the African continent's interests, Raila declared his bid for the job on February 15.
• His bid was endorsed by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, who recognised the former prime minister's Pan-Africanism spirit.
• President William Ruto revealed that Ghanaian president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had endorsed Raila's bid.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke