President Ruto to formally launch Raila’s AUC bid
President William Ruto will formally unveil former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the country’s candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) on Tuesday next week, marking the official launch of his campaigns.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said yesterday that Dr Ruto will give a formal roadmap for the continental campaigns.
Mr Mudavadi, who spoke during a second joint press briefing with Mr Odinga at his office at Kenya Railways in Nairobi, said the former PM’s quest for the top AUC post is a “national mission.”
“This is more than a candidacy; it is a national mission. Hon Raila Odinga represents Kenya’s voice, values and aspirations on the continent. As he steps forward, let us stand with him, not just as a government but as a united people,” Mr Mudavadi said.
He urged Kenyans to rally behind the ODM leader.
“To fellow Kenyans, as a nation, we have always come together to stand behind our own, whether on the tracks, the fields, or on the global stage. Just as we cheered our athletes in the recent Olympic Games, let us lend our full support to Hon Raila as he carries the Kenyan flag high in the race for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission,” he added.
Mr Mudavadi said that the President will officially unveil Mr Odinga’s campaign team, adding that the secretariat will set the stage for rigorous campaigns across the continent.
Some of Mr Odinga’s strategists include; Kenya’s former ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo, former executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Mahboub Maalim, ambassador Anthony Okara, Prof Makau Mutua and former Nyeri deputy governor Dr Caroline Karugu.
Mr Mudavadi said that in his application for the AUC chairmanship, Mr Odinga outlined his vision for the body.
He noted that it is hinged on various focal areas; they include African integration and infrastructure development, economic transformation of the continent, enhancing intra-African trade, financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace and security, youth empowerment, and gender equity and equality.
For his part, Mr Odinga said that he is glad that the government had formalised his candidature.
“We have already submitted our application as required by the AU at the secretariat and from now on its all systems go.
“I want to thank the leadership of the continent, who have expressed confidence, and also the people of my country Kenya — I will need your support in this campaign,” he said.
Mr Odinga noted that the African Union needs to be strengthened to be able to realise the dream of the founding fathers of the continent which envisages a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa.
If elected during the polls in February next year, Mr Odinga said he will pay keen attention to the challenges bedevilling the African continent.
“There are several areas where Africa is having a problem including health and education. There is need for wealth creation and a solution for employment.
“Many young African boys drown in the Mediterranean Sea as they try to run away from poverty to seek greener pastures in Europe. This should not happen.
“The issue of climate change is a major challenge. Africa is a victim rather than main offender. Africa pays a very heavy price. In Kenya we live between twin disasters —floods and drought.
“Many of our people perish and livestock dies. We must find a way of arresting this phenomenon. We need a stronger voice. As individual countries, Africa is weak. As a united Africa we can have a stronger voice to negotiate more effectively for compensation,” Mr Odinga said, adding that Africa should harness its resouces to become energy sufficient.
The AUC campaign strategists, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’oei, Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo and the PS for the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs in the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Aurelia Rono, were present.
Mr Mudavadi did not give the budget for the campaigns. In Kenya’s previous failed bid to capture the AUC chairmanship, it spent Sh437.7 million in a drive led by then Deputy President William Ruto, now the Head of State.
Data submitted to Parliament then showed that Sh437,776, 982 was spent in the campaigns, exceeding the set confidential expenditure by Sh52,095,299.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earmarked Sh385,681,683 for expenditure linked to campaigns for the then Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed’s bid for the post.
Ms Mohamed lost the position to Moussa Faki of Chad.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.