Kenyan President William Ruto has significantly elevated Kenya’s role in the African Union (AU) election, actively campaigning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to become the next chair of the African Union Commission (AUC). Ruto’s diplomatic efforts have involved high-level engagements with leaders across Africa, aiming to position Kenya as a central player in shaping the continent’s future.
Ruto’s shuttle diplomacy began after Odinga’s candidacy launch in August 2024, and has gained momentum with support from regional leaders such as Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit. This push is part of Kenya’s broader strategic goal of increasing political and economic influence in Africa.
Ruto’s efforts have extended beyond East Africa, with strong backing from leaders in Senegal, Togo, Mali, and Equatorial Guinea. Notably, he has also gained support from Algeria and Botswana, reinforcing Kenya’s growing diplomatic ties. Despite some meetings without immediate endorsements, Ruto’s campaign emphasizes regional solidarity and a vision for a united and prosperous Africa.
Through these engagements, Ruto not only supports Odinga’s candidacy but also promotes Kenya’s broader agenda of economic transformation, intra-African trade, infrastructure development, and continental integration, positioning Kenya as a key leader in African geopolitics.