- "In terms of Pan Africanism, Raila Odinga is in a better position to lead Africa more than any other Kenyan."
- Raila Odinga announced his bid for the AUC chairperson on Thursday.
Image: FILE
East Africa Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament, David Ole Sankok has backed Raila's bid for the African Union Commission chairperson.
Speaking to K24 TV David Ole Sankok termed Raila as the best candidate Kenya could offer to spearhead Pan-Africanism.
"In terms of Pan Africanism, Raila Odinga is in a better position to lead Africa more than any other Kenyan," Sankok said.
"Raila Odinga is the only soul alive that can carry the aspirations of our Pan-African forefathers of uniting Africa into the United States of Africa."
A cross-section of leaders have come out in support of Raila's bid for the position.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has endorsed Azimio leader for the position.
Obasanjo 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 have no 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 ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has also expressed support for the opposition leader's bid.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, speaking during a press address on Saturday, heaped praise on the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party boss terming him a “true Pan-Africanist.”
Malala stated that the President William Ruto-led party’s resolve to back Raila's bid was not a political decision, but rather a patriotic one made to raise the country’s profile and image on the continental scene.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli supported his candidacy due to his high performance.
“He (Raila) has been tested and understands the social, political and economic dynamics across the continent," Atwoli said on Friday.
The leaders said Raila would be in a great position to bring diplomacy and peace in warring nations such as DRC and Somalia if he gets the chance.
Raila Odinga announced his bid for the AUC chairperson on Thursday.