Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has appreciated Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s endorsement of his candidacy for African Union Commission (AUC) head.

In a post on X, Raila stated that he has accepted Museveni’s offer to a combined meeting with President William Ruto to explore the expansion of regional cooperation within the East African Community.

“Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President @KagutaMuseveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President @WilliamRuto today to discuss the deepening of the regional integration within the East African Community,” read Raila’s post.

Raila also asserted that they discussed his candidacy for AU Commission Chairman.

“Crucially, at the urging of President Museveni, we also discussed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it,” he stated. 

On Monday, the trio were pictured at President Museveni’s farm in Kisozi, Uganda.

The former Prime Minister’s quest for AUC leadership has garnered widespread support from politicians across the political spectrum.

Several figures, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, have praised Odinga’s candidacy, claiming he had the necessary qualities for the position.

“This is the turn for Kenya. And that work we will fully support him because it is not his, it is Kenya’s. And he is going to be Kenya’s candidate and we shall support him unequivocally and unconditionally and become the chairman of the AUC,” Wetangula said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has also praised Odinga’s candidacy for the AU leadership, stating that he had the necessary qualifications to lead Africa.