Nairobi, Kenya – August 27, 2024: President William Ruto addressed the absence of Somali President Hassan Mohamud from the official launch of Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson at State House, Nairobi. Speaking to the gathered delegates, Ruto revealed that President Mohamud was unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances but had personally communicated his apologies and assured his full support for Raila's candidacy
Somali President Sends Apology
“I had sent an invitation to the Somalia president, and he confirmed yesterday that he would not attend," President Ruto stated. "He made a call to me and because of issues that went beyond his control, he did not manage to come today but sent his apologies.”
Despite his absence, President Mohamud’s message of support was clear, reinforcing the regional backing for Odinga’s bid for the top continental role.
Regional Leaders in Attendance
The event, presided over by President Ruto, was attended by several key leaders from the East African region, including Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan. Other notable attendees included Burundi Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ruto Reaffirms Support for Raila
In his address, President Ruto emphasized the importance of Africa recalibrating its institutions to better facilitate growth and development. He reiterated Kenya’s unreserved endorsement of Raila Odinga for the AUC Chairmanship, describing him as a visionary Pan-African leader with the experience and credentials needed to lead the continent.
"Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership," Ruto declared. He lauded Raila as a “professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change.”
