DP Kithure Kindiki rallies support for Raila Odinga's AUC bid in Botswana
Botswana's President Duma Boko (left) and Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Gaborone on November 9, 2024.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Saturday took the campaign for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid to Botswana.
When in Gaborone, Prof Kindiki presented to Botswana's President Duma Boko, Kenya's request to support the candidature of Mr Odinga for the AU role.
Mr Odinga on Friday formally launched his candidacy for the top role at the African Union when he touted himself as the leader the continent needs to unlock its full potential.
Mr Odinga while speaking in Addis Ababa laid bare his ambitious plan for the continent should he bag the position in February next year when the election will be held.
Mr Odinga is Kenya’s candidate for the AUC role, and President William Ruto is banking on his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) to push through Nairobi’s proposals for reforms at the continental body.
At the continental body, Mr Odinga could be the oldest Chairperson of the African Union Commission should he win the elections in February next year. But he must defeat three other candidates including Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
On Friday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi told an audience in Addis Ababa that Kenya was pushing for reforms, and is presenting someone who will buy into that philosophy.
Prof. Kindiki is the latest government official to join the ongoing charm offensive aimed at promoting Mr Odinga's candidacy across the continent.
DP Kindiki also held bilateral talks with President Boko in Gaborone, Botswana that focused on cooperation in the areas of climate change, tourism, trade in coffee and tea, beef farming, development of horticulture and floriculture, mining, cooperatives management and regional peace, security and stability.
“Currently, there are over 1,200 Kenyan citizens residing and working in Botswana and the Government of Kenya appreciates the cordial treatment accorded to our professionals who have over time contributed to the setting up of governance and education structures in Botswana,” Prof Kindiki said.
The DP added that Gaborone and Nairobi have shared experiences in politics, democracy, development and trade that date back to the independence struggle.
