Veteran politician Raila Odinga. Photo/Newsflash
By Wanderi Kamau
Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has said that he is not bitter for losing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Youssouf.
Raila dropped out of the tight race in the sixth round, having garnered 22 votes. Youssouf, his main competitor, had scooped 26 votes.
With Raila’s withdrawal, Youssouf comfortably clinched the seat by getting the required 33 vote threshold.
Speaking on Saturday, minutes after Youssouf’s victory, Raila said that he was not bitter with the unprecedented outcome.
“When you go to a contest, there can be only two outcomes; you can win or you can lose. So, this is one of them. Therefore, I am not bitter. I am very happy, infact. I am still available to offer services to the continent in any other capacity,” said Raila while addressing journalists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Reacting to Raila’s loss, President William Ruto thanked the African Union’s leadership for standing behind Raila, Kenya’s candidate.
Election was about Africa’s future
In a statement, Ruto congratulated Youssouf for his victory. He also congratulated Algeria’s Selma Haddadi, for her election as AUC Deputy Chairperson.
“I extend my sincere congratulations. 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,” said Ruto.
Ruto added that the election’s outcome was about personalities.
“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.”
Kenyans have reacted differently to Raila’s loss.
In Mt Kenya, a political stronghold for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, most residents seemed to celebrate Raila’s loss, saying that he is more needed at home “to defend them against Kenya Kwanza’s punitive policies.”
In Nyanza, Raila’s stronghold, some residents expressed dismay, some chanting “Ruto Must Go” slogans.
