We support Raila's decision to chair AU, Azimio says

**Azimio leader Raila Odinga.** [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja coalition has backed Raila Odinga’s intentions to vie for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

The coalition, in a statement released on Friday, February 16, said that Odinga has portrayed endless commitment to pan-Africanism - a trait a true AU chair should possess.

“We welcome and congratulate our party leader for the bold step of putting his name forward for consideration of this most important role to the African continent and its people. We fully support his decision and we shall back his candidature to our fullest capacity,” read the statement.

According to the coalition, Odinga’s leadership has promoted democratic principles, human rights, and good governance in Kenya and across the continent, making him the ideal candidate for the position.

“Odinga has played a crucial and selfless role in the democratisation of our nation. His sacrifices towards achieving socio-economic development, inclusivity, and stability of our Republic are well documented. He has always put Kenya first. These are qualities that we believe are needed for the next chairperson of the AU Commission,” they said.

Their remarks come a day after Odinga declared his intention to vie for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, promising to bring social and economic change to the continent if elected.

His bid comes amid reports that President William Ruto is fronting him for the continental job in a deal that could tilt the political landscape and complicate the 2027 presidential election matrix.