- Raila seeks to replace Moussa Faki of Chad as the new AU Commission chairperson.
- The Azimio leader has since been meeting with leaders from Africa and Internationally to discuss his AU bid.
Image: FILE
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has said he will introduce African Union passports to ease travelling across African countries, should he clinch the AUC chair seat.
The Azimio boss who is eyeing the African Union chairmanship seat said that the move will foster a prosperous and unified continent.
Raila spoke when he hosted Netherlands ambassador to Kenya Maarten Brouwer and his Egypt counterpart Wael Nasreldin Attiya.
"I underscored the importance of a phased, evolutionary approach to tackle issues like multiple currencies, numerous visa requirements, and various air traffic control regulations," Raila said.
"I believe the time has come for the introduction of an AU passport to ease travel across Africa. Together, we can pave the way for Africa’s takeoff, fostering a continent that is integrated, prosperous, and unified."
Raila seeks to replace Moussa Faki of Chad as the new AU Commission chairperson.
The Azimio leader has since been meeting with leaders from Africa and Internationally to discuss his AU bid.
In April, Raila outlined the responsibilities he will play should he clinch the AU chair seat.
Raila raised concern that Africans are struggling to access other parts of the continent.
He said they have to present multiple travel documents and travel to Europe to connect to another African country.
"It is regrettable that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries," Raila said.
The former Prime Minister said should he get the seat, he will ease the burden of travelling across Africa.
According to Raila, the AU post will enable him to fulfil the dreams of many Africans.
"Further to this, it is my hope that as chairman of the AUC, I will help the continent embark on long-deferred dreams including making River Nile navigable and connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Victoria – Lake Tanganyika water bodies to facilitate efficient logistics in the interiors," Raila said in a post on X.
President William Ruto has been at the forefront of campaigning for the Azimio boss.
Recently, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman expressed her support for Raila
Whitman said she greatly respects Raila and holds him in high regard.
"I am excited about the potential of him running the African Union and that is good for East Africa and probably good for Kenya. We recently met and had a nice conversation and I have a lot of respect for him," the Ambassador said.
Whitman met with the Azimio Chief on May 3.