We're confident that Raila will win AU seat – Mwaura

The government is in support of ODM party leader Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship position, spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said.

Mwaura said President William Ruto’s administration is determined to ensure the former prime minister gets the African continent's top job.

“Many Kenyans know that the president is good at the campaign. After they met in Uganda, the true government position is that we fully support the candidature of Raila to AU,” Mwaura said.

Speaking during his weekly press address at Homa Bay town on Thursday, Mwaura said Raila has qualities for the position.

He described Raila as a true Pan-Africanist who understands the affairs of the continent.

The former prime minister has held a role as the AU's high representative for infrastructure.

Mwaura expressed confidence that Raila will succeed in his quest for the position because some nations have already agreed to support his candidacy.

On Wednesday, Raila said he is on a mission to persuade heads of states in Africa to win their votes. The Azimio leader said he had also met with the new Namibia President Nangolo Mbumba.  

Raila also met Museveni last Monday.

“After meeting President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda, last time, I assure you that East African countries hand agreed to rally behind Raila. We stand a better chance as a region to lead at AU,” Mwaura added.

Mwaura asked Kenyans to focus on development instead of politics.

He was accompanied by Kenya Shipyards Ltd managing director Maj Gen Paul Otieno, Tom Mboya University Vice Chancellor Prof Charles Ocholla and Homa Bay county commissioner Moses Lilan.

He argued that the country is past politics adding that county governments should work closely with national government for mutual growth.

He said President Ruto is committed to ensure the country moves forward in development.

Some projects he said national government is undertaking in Homa Bay include construction of Mbita- Magunga-Sori road that connects Migori and Homa Bay counties.

Others are Mfangano and Rusinga ring roads, Oyugis water project, West Karachuonyo water project and Kendu Bay water project.

The water projects are expected to connect homes.

The water projects will collectively benefit more than 200,000 people.

“We intend to increase converge to at least 90 per cent by 2025. This will involve last mile connection,” Mwaura said.

Otieno said Kenya Shipyards Limited is undertaking several projects along the lake that will promote blue economy and revive lake transport.

Water was one of the leading modes of transport in 70s as it was the safest and used to carry bulky goods.

The agency is currently rehabilitating the first phase of Homa Bay town pier which is set to be completed within four months.

The works involve rehabilitating and upgrading the pier with modern facilities such as landing bays, fish landing bays, freezing containers, waiting bays, public swimming area, restaurants among other amenities.

“There will be an increase in leisure tourism, sports tourism, and a boom of human capital development that would be delivered through local universities and tertiary colleges after completion of the pier,” Otieno said.