By Eugene Kidagasia, Vihiga
East Africa Legislative Assembly (Eala) MP David Ole Sankok has applauded East African Community (EAC) States for endorsing Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat.
The lawmaker highlighted that getting the regional block support was fronted by the EALA legislatures who wanted to ensure that only one candidate emerged and would be supported to the end.
Sankok said the move by the EAC states was a big leap for Raila as he clearly was the front-runner.
“We sat as EALA MPs and decided to push the Raila agenda and we are proud that our head of state has endorsed his candidature,” said Sangok.
The lawmaker spoke in Mulele Dispensary in Vihiga where he had paid the medical facility visit.
Sangok has further urged other member states in the continent to rally behind Raila who he termed a Pan-African champion.
He proposes that an intensive campaign be done among the French-speaking nations (Francophone) and the North African states to ensure the former Kenyan Prime Minister emerges the winner.
“We have friends all over Africa and now we must focus on the francophone and ensure we get their support ahead of the vote,” said Songok.
Raila’s candidacy was launched at the State House and attended by leaders from the East Africa Community on Tuesday and the former premier is set to face off against three other candidates in the February 2025 vote.
They are Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and former Foreign Minister for Madagascar, Richard James Randriamandrato.
The regional lawmaker believes Raila’s chances would go past 35 member states out of the 54 if a vigorous campaign was done in all the African regions.
“Raila has the best chances among the other candidates but we know voting patterns from past AUC elections have shown that leaders mostly rally behind candidates from their various regional blocs,” said Sangok.
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