Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, James Kabarebe, represented President Paul Kagame at the official launch of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the Kenyan candidate for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, in Nairobi.

Hosted by President William Ruto, the event was attended by President Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, and Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi among others.

In his speech, President Ruto sent a message of gratitude to East African Community leaders who attended the ceremony, saying their presence at the event showed their commitment to unity and the growth of the EAC region.

He noted that EAC leaders understand the power of working together and the importance of having a united voice, insisting that the region has for a long time been a beacon of resilience and innovation in the continent.

Rwanda was among EAC countries that expressed support for Odinga’s AUC candidacy. During his visit to Kigali in March this year, Odinga met President Paul Kagame to discuss “issues of regional and continental interest.” In the meeting, President Kagame assured Odinga of Rwanda’s support in his bid and during his tenure if he wins the seat.