Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and several political leaders have commended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his spirited attempt to secure the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Despite a narrow defeat in the election held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Odinga’s performance has been hailed as a testament to his commitment to Pan-Africanism and the development of the continent.
Kindiki Lauds Raila’s Resilience
Deputy President Kindiki took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud Raila Odinga’s efforts, describing him as Kenya’s most “qualified, decorated, and ideologically anchored candidate” ever fielded for a continental role.
“We remain a proud nation that we came so close. Today was not our day, but our day will come. Thanks to all the friends of Kenya who stood with us,” Kindiki wrote. He also emphasized the need for Kenya to reevaluate its strategy for future bids.
Support from Kenyan Leaders
Other Kenyan leaders echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, acknowledging Raila’s strong showing in the race. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed called for a grand welcome for Odinga, celebrating his resilience.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot extended gratitude to the nations that supported Odinga, despite what he termed an “unexpected outcome.” Similarly, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo emphasized that Odinga’s efforts cannot be disregarded.
Appreciation for Pan-African Leadership
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris lauded Raila for his unwavering dedication to the Pan-African cause. “True leadership isn’t defined by titles—it’s driven by purpose, and yours remains unstoppable,” she noted in her statement.
Other MPs, including Nyaribari Chache’s Zaheer Jhanda and Soy’s David Kiplagat, praised President William Ruto for his steadfast support of Odinga’s campaign. Jhanda suggested that Odinga show his gratitude by backing Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The AUC Election Results
Raila Odinga displayed a strong performance in the initial rounds of voting. In the first round, he garnered 20 votes, narrowly surpassing Djibouti’s candidate Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who received 18 votes. Odinga improved his tally to 22 votes in the second round, but Mahamoud eventually gained momentum, leading in subsequent rounds.
By the seventh round, Mahamoud secured two-thirds of the votes, solidifying his victory and ending Odinga’s bid. Despite the loss, Odinga’s campaign highlighted Kenya’s growing influence in continental politics.
Calls for Unity Moving Forward
Several leaders urged Odinga’s supporters to rally behind President Ruto’s agenda, emphasizing unity in achieving Kenya’s developmental goals. “To our ODM brothers and sisters, let’s now put the AUC seat behind us and support our president in delivering the Kenyan dream,” Soy MP David Kiplagat remarked.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana expressed hope that Odinga would reciprocate Ruto’s support by backing his 2027 re-election campaign.
Conclusion
While Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship fell short, his effort was widely praised as a reflection of Kenya’s leadership potential on the continental stage. Leaders across the political divide have acknowledged his unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s diplomatic endeavors.
