by TIMOTHY CERULLO
Wednesday May 8, 2024
Kenya has begun talks to persuade Somalia to drop its African Union Commission candidate, Fawzia Yusuf Adam in support of Raila Odinga.
Kenya made its intention clear during a Tuesday, May 7, meeting presided over by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who hosted Somalia's Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre at his Karen residence in Nairobi.
According to a source privy to the lobby, there is a green light that Somalia could heed Kenya's wish and drop its candidate in support of Raila.
However, Somalia claims it has the support of the Organisation of Islamic Corporation, an intergovernmental organization which consists of more than 27 African states.
Kenya also plans a similar round of talks with Djibouti who also fronted a candidate for the same AU position. Ruto's side will be seeking to woo Djibouti out of the race in favour of the Azimio leader.
In early April, Djibouti announced its candidate for the AC Commission chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to challenge Raila for the position.
The AU has also set a deadline for the submission of critical documents including Curriculum Vitae for those seeking to vie for the AU Commission role.
All candidates seeking the prestigious continental role will be required to submit their documents by August 6, 2024, by 5 pm, Addis Ababa time.
Raila has since received immense approval from several African heads of state with the latest being Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa who pledged support for Raila.
Mnangagwa pledged support for Raila during President Ruto's visit to Zimbabwe on April 26, where the two heads of state held a two-day meeting.
Meanwhile, the other things that dominated Kenya's meeting with Somalia included areas of political consultations, education and defence.
According to Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the three bilateral instruments aim to further solidify bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.