Kenyan Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday announced he is ready to serve the continent as chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU).
Over the past week, there have been speculations that President William Ruto was backing Raila for the job, as the current AU boss Moussa Faki's tenure comes to an end.
Raila made his aspiration public in a press conference attended by AU Special Envoy and former Nigeria president Olusegun Obasanjo in Nairobi.
"I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service. I have asked my friend (Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo) to continue to be a good ambassador and talk to other people," he said.
Raila said he has been consulting widely among friends on whether to take the job or not.
Obasanjo said there is so much that needs to be corrected in Africa, which will require a suitable person to lead the commission.
The former Nigeria president said he does not doubt that the Opposition leader is a viable candidate for the position if he is supported by the East African region.
“I do not doubt that my friend is a viable candidate but subject to views, feelings, positions and presentations of our leaders in the East Africa sub-region,” he said.
The current chair Moussa Faki Mahamat is set to leave office in March next year.
Following Raila's announcement, Kenyans from all walks of life and from across the political divide, as well as critics have welcomed the move.
Here is what they had to say;
