University student leaders commend Raila for his strong bid for the AUC leadership

 By Robert Njoya

The Lake Side Caucus of student leaders from universities across Kenya on Monday  congratulated former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga for his commendable bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, recognizing his legacy of dedication to social, political, and economic transformation for Kenya and Africa as a whole.

In their statement, the Caucus applauded the efforts of both Mr. Odinga and the President Dr. William Ruto. While acknowledging the complex dynamics that influenced the AUC election outcome, the Caucus congratulated the winning candidate and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the African Union’s vision of peace, unity, and prosperity for the continent.

The Caucus commended President Ruto’s dedication to supporting Odinga’s candidacy, mobilizing government structures, security agencies, and diplomatic missions to ensure Kenya’s impressive performance during the election rounds. They described the collaboration between the two leaders as “a single soul dwelling in two bodies,” highlighting the mutual commitment to elevating Kenya’s stature within Africa and beyond.

The student leaders emphasized the need for greater youth involvement in African Union processes to foster Pan-Africanism and inspire the next generation of African leaders. They proposed several transformative ideas to achieve this vision.

They urged the African Union to create formal mechanisms that allow university students to shadow AU officials and participate in its governance programs. By involving students directly, they argued, young people would gain valuable insights into the operations of the AU and contribute to shaping the continent’s future.

The Caucus also advocated for the establishment of Pan-African forums within universities across the continent, which would serve as platforms for intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue. These forums would also create digital repositories documenting the contributions of African greats such as the founders of the OAU, Nelson Mandela, and contemporary leaders like Raila Odinga. By preserving and promoting this history, they believe future generations will be inspired to embrace the ideals of unity, democracy, and progress.

Furthermore, they proposed the creation of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance in universities across Africa. These centers would serve as spaces for research, dialogue, and advocacy, honoring the sacrifices of Africa’s liberation heroes while empowering young leaders to advance democratic values and governance.

The Caucus underscored the historic role of student movements in advocating for democratic reforms and inclusive governance, arguing that these centers would build on this legacy and enable students to play a more active role in shaping Africa’s future.

To advance these proposals, the student leaders announced plans to seek an audience with President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Their aim is to seek guidance, improve their ideas, and explore pathways for these proposals to be adopted and implemented at the continental level.T

They expressed optimism that with the support of national leadership, these initiatives could gain the necessary momentum to become a reality, ensuring that young Africans have a voice in shaping the continent’s future.


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