A meeting between President William Ruto and the outgoing Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, at Ruto’s Kiligoris residence has sparked widespread speculation. Many interpret the encounter as a deliberate political manoeuvre aimed at influencing broader African leadership dynamics.
Critics of ODM leader Raila Odinga have voiced concerns over Faki’s visit, particularly as Kenya prepares to nominate Raila for the AU Commission chairmanship. These opponents have questioned the timing and intent of Faki’s engagement in Kenya.
While it remains unclear whether Faki held a private meeting with Raila, analysts point out that the more pressing issue is the rationale behind his discussions with President Ruto. Sources indicate that the meeting has unsettled some individuals who openly oppose Raila’s candidacy, including his prominent rival, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.
Observers speculate that Ruto’s meeting with Faki may have centred on strategies to bolster Raila’s bid. It is believed that Ruto sought Faki’s assistance in rallying support from other African heads of state, leveraging Faki’s influence to position Raila as the preferred successor.
Reports suggest that Ruto may have shared his strategies for securing political victory, urging Faki to advocate for Raila’s leadership as a unifying force in the AU. Despite these claims, Ruto’s official communication and social media channels have remained silent on the specifics of the discussions.
Raila faces a significant challenge in securing the two-thirds majority of 55 member states required to succeed Faki. Geopolitical dynamics, linguistic affiliations, and religious considerations among member states are expected to play a critical role in determining the outcome.
Additionally, six member states—Sudan, Gabon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea—remain suspended due to ongoing conflicts or government overthrows. This leaves Raila needing at least 33 votes to clinch the chairmanship, a task that analysts agree will require careful diplomacy and strategic alliances.
As the AU elections approach, the implications of Ruto and Faki’s meeting will likely continue to reverberate across the continent, shaping the narrative around Raila’s candidacy and Kenya’s influence in African politics.
