The Kenyan government has dismissed the endorsement of Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, just hours before the crucial election.
On Friday, February 14, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei downplayed SADC’s decision, calling it an “afterthought.”
He maintained that the move would not affect Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC position but acknowledged that Kenya would intensify diplomatic efforts to solidify its support.
Orange Democratic Movement Party leader Hon Raila Odinga during his AUC bid launch in State House on August 27. Photo: Raila Odinga Source: Facebook
“To our minds, we think that this letter is something of an afterthought; we think that it is mere courtesy to show the minimalist solidarity extended to a member of their region,” Sing’oei stated.
Despite the SADC endorsement, Sing’oei expressed confidence in Raila’s chances, revealing that Kenya had already secured backing from several SADC member states.
He noted that ongoing engagements aimed to reinforce Nairobi’s influence ahead of the Saturday, February 15 election.
The Principal Secretary also questioned Madagascar’s candidacy, arguing that the island nation’s geographical positioning between the Eastern and Southern regions of Africa gave it an unfair advantage.
“It is important to note that this is the turn for a member of the Eastern region to be elected to chair the AUC.
ODM leader Hon. Raila Odinga. Photo: Raila Odinga Source: Facebook
Madagascar is in a unique position because it straddles both the Eastern region and the Southern region. From a technical standpoint, Madagascar should not be on the ballot under the Eastern region,” he asserted.
SADC’s announcement came as a surprise, given its timing just days before the election.
The move could impact Raila’s months-long campaign efforts across Africa.
The 16-member economic bloc includes Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the DRC, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Alongside Raila and Randriamandrato, Djibouti has fielded Mahmoud Youssouf as a candidate.
The winner must secure a two-thirds majority from the 55 AU member states. Kenya remains hopeful that Raila will emerge victorious in the secret ballot vote.
