Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that he and his campaign team did their best in the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Despite the results not being in his favour, Mr Odinga, while addressing the Kenyan delegation in Addis Ababa during a special dinner at Hotel Sheraton, expressed contentment with the effort they put in.
Mr Odinga, lost to Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf . Mr Youssouf secured the required 33 votes, defeating Mr Odinga, who dropped out after the sixth round of voting, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato who lost in the initial rounds.
In the sixth round, Mr Youssouf garnered 26 votes to Mr Odinga’s 22.
Acknowledging the defeat, Mr Odinga said he anticipated blame games following his loss, including criticism of his alliance with President William Ruto and questions about his age, among other factors.
The race for the AUC chairmanship was fiercely contested, with Mr Odinga expressing confidence throughout his campaign. However, he admitted that the loss was likely to fuel criticism and speculation.
Raila: President Ruto did all he could to support me in AUC Chairmanship race
Mr Odinga also defended President Ruto’s role in the whole period saying, “I made the decision myself and announced that I wanted to run for this position myself. Dr Ruto only came and said he was going to support me when I really needed it."
“I want to say that President Ruto did everything possible. He gave me all the logistical support that we needed. That enabled me to travel around the length and breadth of the continent. And [he] made appointments for me to meet all the leaders around the continent,” Mr Odinga said.
“We accept the results and I have congratulated my competitor who has won and wish him the best,” he said, expressing his gratitude to his supporters and President Ruto whom he credited for providing substantial support during the campaign.
Despite the confidence he had in winning, Mr Odinga noted that unforeseen factors influenced the results.
"We were sure we would win. But as I say, other factors have come into play,” he said.
Similarly, while acknowledging Kenya's loss at the AUC, President Ruto posted on his official X: "While the outcome of this election did not favour Kenya's candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent. Thank you for considering Mr Raila Odinga's vision and priorities for the African Union and for according him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent's transformation."
President Ruto also congratulated the newly elected AUC chair, Mr Youssouf and his deputy Selma Haddadi.
"You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the Africa Union Commission to the next level," Dr Ruto’s post read.
"This election was not about individuals or nations; it was about Africa's future. That future remains bright and, together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage."
