'Good luck, buddy,' Ruto tells Raila ahead of AUC vote
National
By
Betty Njeru
| Feb 15, 2025
Kenya is watching with bated breath as the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election begins in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, has arrived at the AU headquarters, accompanied by President William Ruto.
The two leaders donned matching suits and ties and shared smiles in a rare display of camaraderie as they made their way to the venue.
Sources told The Standard that the president wished Odinga "good luck" as he prepares to face two other contenders for the top seat.
D-DAY: President William Ruto and Former premier Raila Odinga make way to AU headquarters in Addis Ababa ahead of AUC chairperson vote.
Video by PCS pic.twitter.com/ou7R8FrPtEREAD MORE
State edges KPC out of cooking gas plant deal for Nigerian firm
Regional trade bloc bets on SMEs to ward off Chinese leather imports
Smelling opportunities beyond political and economic noise
KAA fetes best operators in aviation
Inflation rises to 3.6 percent in March amid higher food prices
Kenya launches Africa's first hybrid vehicle battery lab
Farmers concerned over government's unsettled Sh1.8billion maize seed subsidy bill
The value of increasing public sector skills in the age of AI
PPP directorate gets new director general
US tariffs causing anxiety but no 'dramatic' economic impact: IMF chief
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 15, 2025
Delegates have already gathered for the crucial and highly anticipated vote, set to begin at 5 pm. Several Heads of State are already in the room.
Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to make opening remarks, followed by speeches from Outgoing AUC chairperson Moussa Faki, who will be delivering his final address as chair, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Angola’s President João Lourenço, the new AU chairperson.
Delegates will then be briefed on the voting process before casting their ballots.
If all goes as planned, the new AUC chair is expected to be announced by 6pm.
Odinga is facing Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.