Former Prime Minister and AU Chair candidate Raila Odinga in a past occasion// Photo Courtesy.
Raila Odinga has been praised following his classy display at the Mjadala Africa Debate that was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on December 13, 2024 for the African Union Chairmanship candidates.
Kericho Senator Hon. Aoron Cheruiyot termed Odinga’s show a top master class, claiming that with Odinga, Africa will be richer.
“ Top Master Class display by Baba @RailaOdinga. Well done, son of the soil. Africa will be all the more richer with your experience and wisdom,” wrote the leader.
Homabay Town MP, Hon. George Opondo Kaluma said that Raila showed his opponents dust in the debate, making them lose direction in their presentations. Opondo said that Raila was their master.
“The supporters of the AUC candidate from Djibouti can’t believe the thunder that has hit them! After loud noise for whole week, they have gone mute and silent thithithi kama maji ya mtungi! The candidate got lost in his lack of knowledge about Africa and the African people and went rumbling endlessly without responding to asked questions … Like a pupil listening to his Master, his look remained studious as Baba spoke with Africa and her people he so much loves! Son of Africa for Africa,” asserted the lawmaker.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei lauded Odinga as a personality with knowledge of Africa, who understands what Africa has and the problems it faces, something that made Odinga outdo his opponents.
“H.E Odinga @RailaOdinga grasp of issues across Africa and the world is top notch. He understands challenges and opportunities in our continent. A true Pan African who shall transform Africa into a competitive continent with immense opportunities. In this debate Baba has scored 110% and dismantled the other opponents,” said Cherargei.
He added that Odinga has edged Kenya to the global ladder, affirming that he is the best Kenya offered for the AU Chairmanship.
“This is the moment for Kenya to shine across the globe. Thank you H.E Ruto for offering the best candidate in Raila Odinga for AUC chairmanship.”
Political commentator Alinur Mohamed congratulated the former Prime Minister for having sufficed his audience with answers to the questions the panel asked during the debate, something that the opponents failed to do.
“It’s only Raila Odinga who has answered all the questions to the satisfaction of all of us. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti has failed to answer even a single question. He’s just beating around the bush. I don’t remember anything that Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar has said,” said Alinur.
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga confirmed that Raila understands his job description very well, asserting that he is the best one fit for the AU Chairmanship position.
“Hon. Raila Odinga has demonstrated to the entire continent why he’s the best in this race for AUC chairmanship. The eloquence and the impressive ease with which he tackled questions is clear proof that he understands the job very well. His opponents too did well, but in this race, they’ve no choice but to throw in the towel or be crushed! I’m not kidding,” highlighted Omanga.
Nairobi Governor, H.E Johnson Sakaja who is said to have joined Odinga in Addis Ababa was not left behind the team that lauded the AU Chairmanship candidate. Sakaja acknowledged Raila as a true African Statesman, for he is rich in African history.
“Hongera Baba. Your immense knowledge of the continent, its history, and potential, delivered like a true African Statesman.”
Shortly after the debate, Raila Odinga was elated and enthusiastic to have been accorded the opportunity to share his insights about his vision and agenda ahead of the February 2025 AU Chairmanship elections. He affirmed his readiness and commitment to serve Africa.
“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to address you, the great people of this continent on this special occasion; the Mjadala Afrika. As I have said before, I am ready to serve my continent!”
During the debate where he faced off Djibouti’s candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, Raila Odinga underscored rearranging international financial infrastructure in order to tackle and reduce African debts.
“We need to address the issue of rearranging the international financial infrastructure. Additionally, it is important that Africa enhances trade with itself. We can also reduce the cost of energy and go green on the continent,” said Odinga.
He is hopeful to clinch the seat, and believes he fits to lead Africa to the right destination.
“I believe I have what it takes to get us where we would like to be in the field of education, health, value addition and trade. I promise the African people that I shall lead from the front to ensure that we achieve the vision of the founding fathers of our continent,” assured Odinga.
