• According to Jaoko, FOBA's mission is to create a network of across the continent, whose focus will be pushing for Raila’s election to become the next African Union Commission chairperson.
• He said the lobby will also set the grounds for Raila’s visit to the different African countries as he lobbies for votes.
Image: Jaoko Oburu/X
Jaoko Oburu, the nephew to Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Monday announced the launch of an international lobby named Friends of Baba (FOBA).
Baba is a Swahili word that means Father in English. However, in the Kenyan political space, it is used to refer to Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
According to Jaoko, FOBA's mission is to create a network of across the continent, whose focus will be pushing for Raila’s election to become the next African Union Commission chairperson.
He said the lobby will also set the grounds for Raila’s visit to the different African countries as he lobbies for votes.
“FOBA's mission is broad-reaching, focusing on creating a robust continental network. This network aspires to have representation from every African country, establishing the groundwork for Baba's visits to each nation.
"We aim to tailor his manifesto and general messaging, including conversations with Heads of State, to align with the diverse needs and concerns of each nation. Our strategy is solely hinged on strategically lobbying for Baba's election to the AU Commission Chair,” Jaoko said on X.
He added that the continental network would help create good grounds for interactions to help the former Prime Minister better understand the concerns of each country.
He said this would also help him in formulating his messages to the different countries in the continent.
“We aim to engage representatives from every country, facilitating Baba's direct interactions with their leaders, understanding their concerns, and tailoring his campaign message accordingly.”
The formation of the lobby comes even as Raila continues to lobby for support from countries in the East African region.
Raila announced his bid in February saying that he is ready to serve the continent, should he be called upon to do so.
The term of the current AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki of Chad is expected to come to an end early next year.
The election for the same is set for February 2025.
Raila is also not leaving anything to chance, even as he campaigns for the same.
President William Ruto recently revealed that they have agreed as leaders of the East African community to support Raila in his bid to become AU boss.
The Kenya Kwanza is also putting together a machinery that will campaign for Raila.