Kenya’s former UN envoy, Martin Kimani, has criticised Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission chairperson, describing it as primarily politically motivated.

Kimani suggested that Kenya’s push for Odinga’s leadership is more about securing the prestige of heading the AUC than advancing technocratic goals.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, Ambassador Kimani stated, “Kenya is seeking this position not due to technocratic reasons but political ones. Kenya wants to promote Raila Odinga because of his political profile and our internal political dynamics.”

He further noted that this move would serve as a test of the Ruto administration’s ability to win a continental race, highlighting that Kenya has faced challenges in such bids since securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Kenya has faced criticism in the past for allegedly projecting its domestic political agendas onto the African Union stage.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has addressed this issue, urging local politicians to approach the matter with the gravity it deserves and prioritise national interests.

“The matter isn’t about securing a job as a reward for someone,” Mudavadi emphasised.

“The focus should be on what Kenya gains if our candidate wins. We need to consider what Kenya offers to the continent in terms of leadership; that is the bigger picture.”

He added that Kenya is one of 55 members of the African Union, and the AU chairperson’s position is about national representation rather than individual interests.

Regional leaders and diplomats gathered at Nairobi’s State House last Tuesday for the launch of Raila Odinga’s continental campaign.

Raila is currently in Beijing, China, attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, where he seeks to leverage the platform to lobby African leaders at the event.