Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister, is no longer the African Union’s (AU) representative.
According to a statement made by the African Union Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the union wishes Mr. Odinga well and affirms that he will continue to be a valued member of the organization.
“Your role in this journey, Excellency, has been invaluable. Allow me to express my profound gratitude for accepting to serve in this role during the transition period, which has now come to a happy conclusion,” Mr Faki said.
On October 20, 2018, Mr. Odinga was chosen to serve as Africa’s High Commissioner for Infrastructure under the direction of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is now a retired official.
His appointment was a result of the African Union’s efforts to support sustainable development and economic growth while hastening infrastructure integration of the continent.
Mr Mahamat, in a letter to Mr Odinga, said the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) will take over the role. The Foreign Affairs ministry confirmed the development.
End of tenure notification. We thank the Rt.Hon @RailaOdinga for his service to the continental body. pic.twitter.com/j2FUA9tdHg
— Korir Sing’Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) February 23, 2023
Mr Odinga’s appointment in 2018, gave him the mandate of building on the work and leadership of the PIDA Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative.
In March 2018, Mr Kenyatta and Mr Odinga ended their political differences through a handshake, a move that saw the two work closely. The retired President played a role in Mr Odinga’s AU appointment.
