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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24875, member: 2262"] Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga seeks to secure the African Union Commission chairperson position, marking a potential shift from his previous five unsuccessful presidential bids. The election will take place during the 38th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa on February 15-16. Odinga faces competition from Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar's former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato. His campaign team claims support from 28 nations, putting him close to the required two-thirds majority among the 48 eligible voting members. The race carries significant implications for Kenyan politics. President William Ruto has actively supported Odinga's candidacy, viewing it as an opportunity to reshape political alliances. Political analyst Fred Sasia notes that Ruto aims to inherit Odinga's voter base in Luo Nyanza and Western Kenya regions ahead of the 2027 elections. Should Odinga win the AU position, he would need to step away from domestic politics, which would benefit Ruto's re-election prospects. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party maintains it will field candidates in all positions regardless of the outcome. The political landscape has grown complex since Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment in October. Gachagua claims this development cost Ruto four million votes in the Mt Kenya region. Some ODM legislators reportedly hope Odinga fails in his AU bid, fearing the loss of their political influence tied to his leadership. Political commentator Daniel Orogo suggests that an Odinga victory would cement his transition from Kenyan politics to continental leadership. The new AU chairman must address pressing challenges across Africa, including poverty, unemployment, debt, insecurity, and healthcare. Odinga has pledged to accelerate Africa's development through enhanced self-reliance and unity. He promises to remain engaged in Kenyan affairs regardless of the election outcome, though a win would restrict his direct involvement in domestic politics. The election results could reshape Kenya's political dynamics. An unsuccessful bid might lead Odinga back to opposition politics, potentially challenging Ruto in 2027. His leadership at the AU would mark a significant shift in East African politics and continental governance. [/QUOTE]

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