Raila Odinga’s Term as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development Comes to an End Amid Controversy

Raila Odinga’s term as the African Union’s High Representative for infrastructure development has ended after nearly five years of service.

AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat lauded Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga for his invaluable contribution to the infrastructural development of the continent. Faki thanked Raila for his acceptance to serve on a transition basis, which he said had come to a happy conclusion.

Raila Odinga’s appointment to the role came in October 2018, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, as part of the AU’s desire to hasten the integration of Africa through infrastructure to promote economic growth and sustainable development. The appointment followed renewed efforts in the push for integration of the continent following the adoption of the Agreement on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Kigali in March 2018.

According to Faki, Raila’s leadership and command of issues affecting Africa were instrumental in the success of the infrastructure agenda on the continental agenda.

Faki further stated that the AU would continue counting on Raila’s support in the event of other assignments.

However, there has been controversy surrounding the circumstances of Raila’s exit, whether he quit or was pushed out, as diplomatic and Kenyan government sources indicated.

The announcement of the end of Raila’s tenure came on the day President William Ruto left Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the continental body, following a two-day visit to attend the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit.

Despite the controversy surrounding Raila’s departure, his tenure as the AU’s High Representative for infrastructure development has come to a close, and he will be remembered for his valuable contribution to the infrastructural development of the continent.

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