Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Former prime minister Raila Odinga has expressed confidence in winning the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship in the upcoming elections scheduled for February 14 and 15.

Since launching his bid, Raila has campaigned extensively across Africa, visiting nearly 40 countries to garner support. The Kenyan government has confirmed his extensive travels in pursuit of votes.

Speaking on Saturday, February 8, the opposition leader conveyed his optimism about succeeding the outgoing chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

He emphasised that his manifesto is distinctive and that his vision for Africa is clear, aiming to benefit all Africans.

"We have traversed the entire African continent, meeting leaders, discussing our policies, and outlining what we intend to achieve for this continent_Africa for Africa. That is my policy, and I expect to be elected. If elected, I will work as you desire and to the best of my ability, collaborating with other leaders to focus on the interests of our citizens," Raila stated.

His confidence comes amid the Kenyan government's continuous calls for citizens to offer him moral support, highlighting that his potential win would significantly benefit the country.

Additionally, several leaders from various political alliances have expressed confidence that Raila will become the next AUC chairman, anticipating a landslide victory.

These endorsements have sparked reactions from Kenyans, who are eagerly counting down to the election date.

Meanwhile, the government has been actively supporting Raila's campaign. Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale expressed confidence in Raila's potential victory, citing endorsements from several heads of state.

According to Duale, nine presidents who visited Kenya in the past week confirmed their votes, and at least 11 leaders from Eastern Africa have endorsed Raila's candidacy.

In his bid for the AUC chairmanship, Raila faces competition from Djibouti's foreign minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato. The election is set to take place during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

However, Raila's campaign has faced challenges. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently endorsed Youssouf, which was perceived as a setback for Raila's bid.

Meanwhile, during his campaign, he met with heads of state from Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and Mozambique, all of whom pledged their votes in his favour.

In the East African Community (EAC), Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda have confirmed their support for his candidacy.

Additionally, Raila has gained endorsements from eight ECOWAS nations; Togo, Nigeria, The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Côte d'Ivoire, further strengthening his position in the race.

Source: TUKO.co.ke