AUC fundraising campaign fundraiser for Raila Nephew condemned by the government

The Kenyan government has formally denied involvement in any fundraiser organized by Jaoko Oburu, the nephew of Raila Odinga, to raise money for Raila’s chairmanship of the African Union Commission. It was scheduled to take place on 18th September 2024 in Nairobi, organized by the Friends of Baba Lobby Group, whose chairman is Oburu. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that neither the official campaign secretariat for Raila’s AUC bid nor the former Prime Minister himself has endorsed or authorized this event.

The Fundraiser and Its Objectives

The fundraiser by FOBA was touted as a high-profile function aimed at making a mammoth statement of support with financial might from influential African leaders, business elites, and other key stakeholders. This will help in raising funds for the candidacy of Odinga to the highly prestigious position of AUC chair, a position currently held by Moussa Faki Mahamat. According to the invitations circulating on social media, gracing this occasion will be Raila Odinga as the guest of honor, while it would further his vision in continental development and unity.
As chairman of AUC; that is really pivotal lead in African Union which is charged with ensuring execution of policies as well as keeping unity amongst nations on the continent. There has been significant attention drawn towards Raila’s assuming this position with him being supported by prominent African leaders. There has been endorsements made by notable personalities including Olusegun Obasanjo who was former presidnt of Nigeria, besides him seeking out regional heads like Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda among others and also Yoweri Museveni who happens to be Uganda’s head of state

Disapproval by the Government and Explanation

Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs therefore made a bold statement regarding his disapproval of Raila’s potential AUC campaign, which has attended the fundraiser invitations circulating. Sing’Oei explained that the secretariat managing Raila’s bid had no role in organizing the fundraiser and did not authorize any such initiative. “We disassociate the Secretariat of the Campaign of H.E. Raila Odinga from this fundraising effort,” noted Sing’Oei. He went on to add, that while Raila Odinga’s campaign appreciates all support within the continent, it is much transparent and follows laid down procedures.

Kenyan government disavowed this cause and many were shocked, having seen the event advertised everywhere on social media as well as among diplomats. To this end, it also included bank account details for financial contributions which raised questions about the event’s real nature. The fundraiser was presented as being a platform where people and organizations could donate towards Raila’s vision for a unified and prosperous Africa. However, such efforts made by FOBA seem to have been put into doubt by government’s clarification.

The Family of Baba (FOBA) Role

Friends of Baba (FOBA) have been very important in Raila’s campaign for AUC chairmanship with Jaoko Oburu being at its forefront as one of his nephews from Nairobi. Furthermore, FOBA is described as a Pan-African organization that aims at promoting Raila Odinga and his ideals on the continent. In this regard they have organized several events while doing outreach activities across different parts in Africa seeking support.

The underground dealings of FOBA’s fund raising initiatives are not necessarily approved by AUC campaign secretariat which raises questions on whether they are sincere or not. Still, this lobby group keeps reiterating its commitment towards promoting Raila’s candidacy and ensuring that he has all resources he needs to plan a successful campaign.

AUC Chairmanship Bids Featuring Raila Odinga

In August 2024, Raila Odinga a veteran political leader from Kenya and ex-prime minister launched his campaign for chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). His political career in Pan-Africanism encompasses many aspects that range from economic reforms through infrastructure development. As such he has always been characterized as an advocate of African unity, economic integration and sustainable development. Therefore his candidacy for this office presents reasons why these ideals should assume centrality in continental leadership.

The Railas have sought out for various African head of states and influential individuals in his campaign strategy. These include Presidents Kagame and Museveni among others as he seeks to win the support of EAC and other regional groupings. The African Union in Raila’s view should focus on important challenges like climatic changes, trade within Africa and its safety conditions.