Baba is back: Raila makes political comeback after AUC loss

Weeks after losing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid, Raila Odinga is officially back on the country’s political scene. 

Speaking at ODM’s 20-year celebrations in Busia on Friday, February 28, Odinga, addressing an electrified crowd that cheered him on, declared: “Baba amerudi!” 

According to the former Prime Minister, the AUC chairmanship bid was a valuable experience, allowing him to visit various countries and witness firsthand how Africa is governed by leaders from different regions. 

"However, be that as it may, the leaders made their decision," he said, adding: “We said if we win the AUC race, it will be a success for us. But we also said, if we lose, it’s still a success.” 

Now that he is back, Odinga says he plans to pick up where he left off—fighting for Kenyans' rights, strengthening devolution, and pushing for an end to corruption. 

However, before making any major moves, he says he will first seek guidance. 

“I’ll come and ask our supporters and those who believe in me what they think our direction and stand should be. We are not the type to follow people around. ODM is a party that has a huge following and a political stand,” said Odinga. 

“We will consult and then take a stand that addresses the needs of all Kenyans.” 

His remarks come weeks after losing the AUC chairmanship bid to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf who was elected chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), after securing 33 votes in the seventh round of voting.