By Matik Kueth
The Senior Youth of South Sudan, and inter-party-inter-generational caucus of Kenya’s-educated professionals, opinion leaders, and activists, has proposed the endorsement of Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang as agents for Raila Odinga in the upcoming African Union Commission chairmanship election on February 15th, 2025.
In a statement extended to King Media on Sunday, Benjamin Unyang, Chairperson of the Senior Youth of South Sudan, stated that the endorsement aims to empower East African presidents to vote confidently for Mzee Odinga during the elections.
Benjamin Unyang, Chairperson of the Senior Youth South Sudan briefing the media in Nairobi Kenya [Photo – Courtesy]
He emphasized the significance of a joint endorsement from African Youth Organizations, particularly those in the East African Community (EAC), to strengthen Odinga’s bid for the AU chairmanship.
Unyang pointed out that they had previously notified Odinga and the planned agents, and they were pleased.
“On 6th February, 2025, we submitted the proposal to the office of Raila Amolo Odinga, at the same time we copied it to the proposed agents and they were happy about it,” he stressed.
The launch of Raila Odinga’s AU candidacy received the endorsement of former EAC chairperson and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit before he passed the leadership baton to the current EAC chairperson, Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
The youth leader further noted that Odinga’s AU candidacy and campaign are joint duties that necessitate cooperative efforts, saying that Nyandeng and Kang would be perfect agents for Odinga’s march to AU leadership.
Raila Odinga declared his AU candidature in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on November 9th, 2024, and has unveiled his plan for the continent should he secure the top role.
With strong backing from South Sudan and other East African countries, Odinga will likely win the AU chairperson in the February 15th,2025 election.