The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Museveni started his speech in his characteristic nonchalant style and somewhat turned to ‘lecturing’ fellow heads of state about Pan Africanism.
Nairobi, Kenya | EMMANUEL WANJALA – THE STAR KENYA | Uganda President Yoweri Museveni threw guests into stitches while delivering his speech during the official unveiling of Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairmanship on Tuesday.
Museveni started his speech in his characteristic nonchalant style and somewhat turned to ‘lecturing’ fellow heads of state during the event at State House, Nairobi, on Pan Africanism and why the continent would be an invincible outfit if its leaders unite.
“I’m here to support the candidature of Raila Odinga on behalf of Uganda because he’s a convinced Pan-Africanist,” he started off to a loud applause.
Leaders present included Presidents Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) and the Prime Minister of Burundi Gervais Ndirakobuca.
Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) and Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) were also present, and so was Rwanda Paul Kagame’s representative, Foreign Affairs Minister, General James Kabarebe.
Museveni said Raila is the best fit for the AU job because he’s not vying to advance his career but rather because he is a true leader and a point man who will lead Africa into economic prosperity.
“Prosperity comes from unity within each country…it comes from African integration. Then who is leading this? Is the person a convinced person or anafanya kibarua tu (he’s just about career).”
Then he went into a ‘lecture’ which he would later apologise for digressing.
“You see people are just doing things, protocol you go to Addis Ababa, French…the whole day you go to sleep, there’s no conviction,” he said in reference to class of leaders who seek leadership positions for the sake of advancing their careers.
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Museveni said he’s supporting Raila’s bid for the AU job “because he is fit for this job” and urged the Azimio leader to foster unity in the continent because “you need them”.
“You love Kenya, you love Uganda, you love Tanzania. Why? Because you need them,” he said.
“There’s nobody who can defeat Africa if we mobilise ourselves,” Museveni added.
He appeared committed to continue steering the conversation towards Pan Africanism then seemingly realised he had digressed from the day’s agenda.
“So therefore,” he said then paused, as if to read the room. “Sorry to divert you, you are the ones who invited me,” he said as he gestured to the audience which burst into laughter.
“If you don’t want to hear my stories don’t invite me,” he added to yet another round of rapture in the hall.
FULL SPEECH by President Yoweri K Museveni in Kenya today, where he attended the launch of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission Chairmanship bidhttps://t.co/84HO5BYkrF
— Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) August 27, 2024
“So therefore,” he continued, “Raila, historically speaking, has been on the side of patriotism within Kenya here because you remember our things here. Majimboism versus Kanu,” he said.
Raila was a leading voice in the push for multiparty democracy in the 90s during the Kanu era and is largely considered the father of Kenyan democracy.
Raila is seeking to replace Moussa Faki of Chad, whose term comes to an end early next year.
He will face off against Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan (Mauritius) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) in the February 2025 polls.
He has so far received backing from 19 countries.
A candidate needs 34 votes to win the AUC post in round one.
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