Duale leads NEP leaders in supporting Raila’s AUC bid

Defence CS Aden Duale yesterday led a group of MPs from Northern Kenya in rallying behind Azimio leader Raila Odinga's candidature for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.

The leaders pleaded with President William Ruto to push for Raila's candidature, saying the time has come for the seat to be occupied by a person from East Africa.

The MPs included Salah Yakub (Fafi), who was the host, Adan Keynan (Eldas), Abdikadir Hussein (Lagdera) and Dekow Mohamed (Garissa Township).

The rest were Aden Daud (Wajir East), Abdul Harro (Mandera South), Yussuf Farah (Wajir West), Abdi Ali (Ijara), Udgoon Siyad (Garissa Woman Representative) and Dominic Letepila (Samburu West).

Duale was speaking in Bura East town during the flagging off of two schoolbuses, a water bowser to serve Fafi schools and motorbikes for chiefs and head teachers.

“We have decided in one accord that like our fellow Kenyans, we support Raila, who is looking for the job and who is overqualified for the position,” Duale said.

“President William Ruto is not a petty leader, he is a national leader. And for that reason, he will lead from the front in ensuring that Raila clinches the seat.” 

Keynan said Raila is a statesman who meets all the qualifications for the job.

He is a viable candidate who, if elected, will be of great help to the region, he said.

Keynan said he was impressed by the support Raila has received from leaders across the political divide.

"Politics aside, we are first and foremost Kenyans, and we have to support one of our own when he is seeking a regional seat. In Odinga, we have a candidate who understands the continent very well and its challenges. I am sure he will deliver," he said.

“We seriously need a person with experience, a person who understands this region very well. A person who comes from a background that can make a difference."

Hussein of ODM said the time is ripe for the seat to be occupied by a person from East Africa.

He said being a seasoned politician, Raila has gained enough experience to take up the seat, which he said requires a person with vast knowledge on African issues.

“Time has come for Raila Odinga to pass the baton to other leaders who are capable of taking over from him. Let his vast experience be put to good use at the African Union,” he said.

"I am looking forward to seeing my party leader occupy the seat when the time comes," Hussein said.

"He is a Kenyan who meets all the necessary qualifications and so as leaders let us put our party differences aside and fully support his bid."

Speaking to the media in Nairobi, Raila said he is ready to serve in that position.

He said his stint as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure gave him the advantage of learning about each African country.