"I Run Inclusive Govt That Has No Losers & Let Us Pray For Him" Ruto Says, Reveals Why He Is Backing Raila For AU's Top Job

President William Ruto recently expressed his reasons for backing Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio coalition, for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson. This declaration was made during his speech at the Homa Bay Investment Conference held at Tom Mboya University.

Raila Odinga has announced his candidacy for the top AU job ahead of the elections next year. President Ruto revealed that his decision to support Raila is rooted in his vision of an inclusive government. He emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring no Kenyan feels like a loser, regardless of their political affiliations.

In his speech, Ruto recalled his previous visit to Homa Bay County, where he had urged the local residents to remain calm as he worked on securing a significant role for Raila.

He highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration for the country's progress, reiterating his earlier promise to unite Kenyans and work together for the nation's good.

"I told you when I was speaking at the market near here but you didn’t believe me then… I remember telling you that we want to unite the country, we want to work together for the unity of Kenya,” Ruto said. He added that his goal is to create a win-win situation for everyone, including those in the opposition who might feel left out.

“There is room for all of us in Kenya, you don’t win by making others lose… Those in opposition must mean well for Kenya, those in government must mean well for Kenya… There are no citizens who are in opposition… It is only these leaders who have a job in Parliament… All Kenyans are on the same side,” he emphasized.

Ruto’s support for Raila's bid for the AU chairmanship also ties into his recent diplomatic activities. A day before the Homa Bay conference, Ruto and Raila visited Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. During this visit, Raila discussed his candidacy for the AU position with Museveni, who strongly endorsed him.

Raila expressed his gratitude for the endorsements from both President Museveni and President Ruto. He shared on social media, 

“Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President Museveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President William Ruto today to discuss the deepening of regional integration within the East African Community. Crucially, at the urging of President Museveni, we also discussed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it.”