EALA MP Shahbal to rally support for Raila’s continental bid

Businessman and East African Legislative Assembly MP Suleiman Shabal has thrown his weight behind Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairman position.

EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal said Raila deserves the position owing to outstanding contributions to East Africa's integration and extensive experience in governance.

Shahbal, in a statement on his social media accounts, said Raila is a great East African and has worked towards building the integration of the EAC.

“I intend to present a motion in the coming plenary to call on the EAC to rally behind our candidate and I am asking you all for your support,” he said on Friday.

On Thursday, at his Karen home, Raila announced that he is eying the AUC chairmanship after wide consultations both locally and internationally.

“Today, I want to make it public that I am ready to go for the chairmanship of the Africa Union,” Raila said.

"I am inclined to accept the challenge. Should the leadership of Africa want my services? I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent,” he said.

On Friday, Shahbal, who was nominated to EALA by Raila’s ODM, said Raila’s longstanding relationships with Heads of State across the African continent underscore his ability to foster cooperation and unity.

“If he wins the chairmanship of the African Union it will be an honour to all of us,” Shahbal said.

If Raila wins the coveted continental seat, it could signal the end of his 30-year run in Kenya’s political scene.

In a separate interview, Shahbal pointed to Raila’s tenure as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure as a key pointer to his commitment to regional development and connectivity.

“As a statesman, Raila’s leadership and vision have significantly advanced our collective goals of regional integration and unity. He has a unique ability to unite people of different ideologies, backgrounds and commitments, something very useful in such a position of power as the AUC chair,” Shahbal said.

The businessman-cum-politician said Raila’s fight for democracy in Kenya and across Africa makes him stand out as the most qualified person to lead the continent.

“We have all seen the crucial role he played in ensuring we have a new constitution in 2010. Let us also not forget his role in the fight for multi-party democracy. He is fearless and focused but can compromise for the common good,” Shahbal said.

"Raila Odinga's track record of advocating for infrastructure development, promoting regional integration, and championing democratic governance speaks volumes about his dedication to Africa's progress," Shahbal noted.

The EALA MP said he would rally support for Raila in the assembly and also use his regional connection to garner further support for the ODM leader.

In a message to his EALA counterparts, Shahbal, who is also the chairman of the EALA Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment, noted that beyond his strong leadership qualities, Raila is a personal friend and will go to great lengths to support his bid.

“He is a personal friend to most of our Heads of State. If he wins the chairmanship of African Union it will be an honour to all of us,” reads the message in part.

Raila, while making his announcement, alluded to his previous continental job as AU High Representative on Infrastructure, stating it gave him an advantage to learn about the African continent.

“I believe strongly that Africa is playing in a league that it should not play. Africa is the cradle of the human species - the first human who walked on this earth was an African. Africa is also the cradle of human civilisation,” he said.

“Africa is the richest continent in terms of minerals and general raw materials. It is a paradox that the richest in terms of resources is also the poorest. This is something that we can reverse.”