Raila Odinga on Friday hosted African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) Civilian Chief of Staff, Kojo Brew Acquaisie.

Raila though his X handle termed the meeting productive.

He also held a conversation with Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission in Berlin, Ambassador Valerie Rugene.

The discussions focused on potential collaborations and strategies to enhance regional stability and development.

"Excited about the potential for positive change on the African continent and enhanced collaboration," Raila said on X.

AMISOM is a peacekeeping mission operated by the AU in Somalia with approval by the UN.

This meeting also comes at a crucial time as Raila prepares for his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.

On Monday, Kenya formally submitted Raila's bid for the seat.

Foreign affairs PS Korir Singo'ei said the government has presented the requisite documentation of Kenya's nominee for the Chairmanship to the Dean of Eastern Region.

The latest development clears the air on the government's commitment to Raila's candidature after weeks of speculations sparked by anti-government protests.

The African Union Commission has set August 6, as the deadline for the submission of the candidacy of the various hopefuls seeking to succeed Moussa Faki.

To ensure that candidates are chosen on merit and not solely through deal-making between states and regions, the African Union decided to set up a panel of eminent persons who will vet candidates and draw up a shortlist.

This is the step that currently awaits all who have submitted their bids for the AUC chairmanship.

A Panel of Eminent Africans, composed of five personalities, one per region, were appointed in February 2024 to oversee the pre-selection of candidatures for the eight positions. 

The election will then be held via secret ballot at a later date.