Raila has wisdom and creative optimism that Africa needs

Azimio leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

The news of Raila Odinga's candidature for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson presents a rare opportunity for the country and the continent to make a great leap forward. This column once wondered why Raila and President William Ruto could not embrace one another in brotherly love in the interest of the country. I maintained that in spite of the then raging post-election fallout, the saving grace was that the captain of the ship was hands-on and would not let anarchy reign.

It's therefore a happy moment for Kenyans if we can export one of the finest political talents to go help retool the African continent for the 21st century. The former prime minister will take a wealth of experience, vast personal network, continental goodwill to steer the African Union to new and greater heights.