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The Nairobian

Addis race: Raila concedes defeat but stands tall

National

By Brian Otieno | Feb 17, 2025

Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga ilooses African Union Commission chairmanship in Addis

Kenya has taken its setback on the continental stage in stride, steering clear of the blame game that often follows such high-stakes losses.

Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf in a tight race down to the wire. Youssouf received 33 votes in the final round of voting, securing the two-thirds majority required to win the seat.

The former premier was the boldest member of the Kenyan delegation, finding words at what must have been a difficult moment. He conceded defeat, saying that he was confident that his friends had supported him.

“We also want to thank all those countries who voted for me and… those countries who did not vote for me because they were exercising their democratic right. I thank the people of Africa and say Vive l’Afrique,” said Raila.

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Despite the loss, the Opposition leader hosted MPs for dinner in Addis Ababa, where Raila has been staying. The dinner was attended by President William Ruto and several elected Kenyan officials who flew to Africa’s diplomatic capital to witness the vote.

His remarks pre-empted the murmurs that later surfaced that some of Kenya’s allies did not vote for Kenya’s candidate.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi yesterday played down such talk, saying it was impossible to know how heads of state voted as the race was decided by secret ballot.

“We are not in the business of dividing Africa along Francophone, Anglophone and Lusophone. It was a secret ballot and these were presidents voting and we should not speculate on who voted in what way,” said Mudavadi.

President William Ruto yesterday dropped the sullen look as he presided over a meeting of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. He was positive, just as a message he posted on X Saturday evening, after Raila’s loss.

“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 the Right Honourable 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,” Ruto posted.

At the Sheraton hotel, a handful of Kenyan lawmakers gathered to collect the pieces. Earlier in the day, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot led their colleagues in offering solidarity to Raila.

“This election was never about individual victory but about Africa’s collective success win or loss. We are all winners in pursuit of a stronger, more unified continent,” said Junet, who matched the somberness of the colleagues flanking him, urging Kenyans to offer Raila a rousing return home.

MPs struggled to conceal their faces from the morning sun, which seemingly exacerbated their anguish. Eye bags weighed their eyelids down, perhaps an indication that they hardly had a good night’s rest.

“This is not the outcome that we had come for here in Addis. We had come here for a win because, we knew the kind of candidate we had presented to Africa. We knew that Africa would have benefited immensely from Raila’s experience, wisdom and so many things he is resolute about,” said Cheruiyot.

Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo said the Opposition veteran had put up a strong showing.

“Baba still has a lot to offer in Africa and beyond. We just say congratulations Baba,” she said.

Some of the MPs stayed back, huddled at one of the lobby’s corners, talking in hushed tones. They would later head to the lifts, perhaps to meet Raila.