Win For Raila Odinga As Ruto Secures Zimbabwe's Support For His AU Commission's Bid

• Former prime minister Raila Odinga is eyeing the seat to replace incumbent African Union Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad
• President William Ruto revealed that Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa had endorsed Raila's bid
• In return, Ruto declared Kenya's unreserved support for Zimbabwe's readmission to the Commonwealth

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

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga has received a major boost in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson's seat.

How William Ruto secured Zimbabwe's support

On Saturday, April 27, President William Ruto announced that Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa had endorsed Raila's bid AUC seat.

Ruto made the remarks at the Bulawayo State House, Zimbabwe during bilateral talks with his Mnangagwa.

The president said Raila's candidature is informed by the role that Kenya plays in enhancing the Pan – African Agenda.

“I am assured that Kenya and Zimbabwe will persist in conferring and backing each other on multitude issues of bilateral, regional and continental significance alongside the African Union Agenda 2063,” said Ruto.

On his part, Ruto declared Kenya's unreserved support for Zimbabwe's readmission to the Commonwealth.

“Based on this, I wish to declare Kenya’s unreserved support for Zimbabwe’s readmission to the Commonwealth, and for the African Union’s call for the immediate lifting of all illegal sanctions against the Republic of Zimbabwe,” the president said.

Why Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed Raila

In other news, former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed the ODM leader for the position of chairperson of AUC.

Speaking in Karen, Nairobi, on Thursday, February 15, Obasanjo said he had no doubt that Raila was the right person to take up the position.

According to the former Nigerian president, holders of such positions have either been former heads of government as president or prime minister.

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

• Rwanda's president Paul Kagame is among leaders who endorsed the Azimio la Umoja leader.
• Raila is immediately lobbying for his candidature, currently having six presidents on his fold.
• Raila odinga shared a list of African presidents supporting his bid.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.