The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, has thrown his weight behind opposition leader Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the prestigious African Union Commission chairmanship. Atwoli made his endorsement during a press conference held in Nairobi, emphasizing Odinga’s suitability for the role and calling on the government to support his bid.
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Atwoli highlighted Odinga’s extensive network and relationships with current sitting presidents as a significant advantage, predicting that none of them could defeat him in the race for the AU Commission chairmanship. He assured Odinga of the full support of the Organisation of African Trade Unions, underscoring the backing for his candidacy from across the continent.
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Odinga himself expressed his readiness to take on the challenge, signaling his interest in the influential position and initiating efforts to garner support from other African leaders. Following a meeting with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Nairobi, Odinga reiterated his commitment to serving and requested continued advocacy for his candidacy.
Having previously served as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, Odinga brings a wealth of experience to the table, despite his tenure ending amidst controversy. However, his potential ascension to the AU Commission chairmanship could reshape Kenya’s political landscape, with President William Ruto backing his candidacy, possibly impacting Odinga’s participation in the 2027 presidential race.
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Securing the AU position hinges on the endorsement of member states, with the chairperson assuming critical roles within the union as its chief executive officer, legal representative, and accounting officer. As Odinga embarks on this endeavor, his candidacy represents a significant milestone in Africa’s political landscape, with implications both domestically and continentally.
