Win or lose, I'll hold my head high, declares Raila on AUC chair bid

As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections draw closer, Kenya’s candidate Raila Odinga has said he is prepared for whatever outcome in the much-anticipated elections slated for this Saturday.

Speaking during a special prayer meeting held by a caucus of ODM women and supporters at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, Raila said he would proudly return home with his head high should he lose to his competitors, either Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamoud Ali Youssouf or Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

“If they accept, I will gladly be the chair. If not, it’s still well for me, si niko na nyumbani kwetu (after all, I have my home here),” he said.

He added, “Tukishinda tumefaulu, tukishindwa tumefaulu. It’s a win-win for us whether we win or lose.”

The event, attended by a section of the clergy, top ODM officials, and his spouse Ida, was held to seek divine intervention for Raila’s candidature.

This coming Saturday is a defining moment for Raila’s political career as it could see him either quit active politics and transition to full responsibility at the AUC secretariat or get back to the local scene, which pundits say will be a big blow to President William Ruto.

Ruto has been working round the clock to ensure Raila clinches the coveted seat, a move observers say is a scheme to politically sideline his opponent. African heads will be meeting for the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Ethiopia, after which they will pick Moussa Faki’s successor, where a candidate must garner a two-thirds majority of the 48 votes to be cast.

Should Raila win, his in-tray is full. He will be faced with enormous tasks such as quelling the ongoing DRC crisis that has left dozens homeless and hundreds dead as well as addressing Africa’s high poverty levels, unemployment, education and health needs, and infrastructure development, among other challenges.

His vision, he says, includes rooting for Africa’s self-reliance, unity, and sustainability.

This is the second time Kenya is fronting a candidate after former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, who received backing from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, but lost the bid.
Away from the race, Raila condemned the recent spate of abductions, torture, and killings of youths, saying it must come to an end.

“Yale maovu yanafanyika hapa tumepinga. Mimi siwezi ona maovu na nikae kimya. Hii mambo ya kuteka watu nyara, kushika vijana na kuenda na kuzuia na kuua mpaka ikwishe katika taifa letu, hatuwezi kuvumilia kamwe….. (All these acts of abductions, killings, and torture must come to an end. I am not the type to see evil flourishing while I remain silent. It’s time to speak up about it. I will not be silent anymore),” Raila said.

He questioned why no one was being held accountable for the rising injustices, criticizing the police for their failure to provide answers.

“Who are these people kidnapping Kenyans? he posed. “When the police say they have no idea, I am left wondering what exactly their role is.”

This came even as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who was donned in ODM colors, hinted at ditching the ruling UDA party for ODM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I have listened to what leaders here have to say about my party membership. Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu na mwenye macho haambiwi tazama. Sisi tuko hapo bumper to bumper, tuko pamoja.” (The sign of rain is clouds, and someone with eyes doesn’t need to be told to see. We are together, bumper to bumper), he said.