Raila Odinga’s new appointment by The African Union(AU) to head Infrastructure Development in Africa, was aided by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Foreign affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma said an agreement on the appointment of the Former Premier was reached upon in April when Chairman of AU Commission Mousaa Faki Mahamat visited Kenyatta.
“Appointment of Raila by Mahamat and the President’s endorsement was made in pursuit of Africa’s integration agenda,” Dr Juma said.
playRaila Odinga, President Kenyatta and AU chairman Moussa Mahamat during Mashujaa Day in Kakamega County. Government officials say President Uhuru helped Raila secure a AU Job (Nation)
Mr Mahamat, the former prime minister of Chad, was in Kenya on April 26 in the aftermath of the mock swearing ceremony of Odinga. He later called on a truce between the Head of State and Odinga which culminated into the famous March 9 handshake between the two leaders.
AU job appointment
Odinga's new job is the first one within AU with a new established office, meant to promote integration, cross-boarder trade and regional projects including railways and roads as well as in the energy sector running from North to South, East to West of Africa.
playRaila Odinga and AU chairman Moussa Mahamat at Raila's office in Upper Hill in Nairobi. Government officials say President Uhuru helped Raila secure a AU Job (Twitter)
On Saturday during the 54th Mashujaa Day fete in Kakamega County at Bukhungu stadium, Kenyatta applauded Odinga for his new appointment as a High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa by the African Union.
In a statement during the ceremony, AU chairman Mr. Mahamat said the High representative would work to support and strengthen efforts of the Commission's relevant department.