Wetang'ula says Nairobi's commitment to AU agenda not at risk despite AUC chairmanship loss

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa Union Commission (AUC) pan-Africanism and its agenda, a few days after it failed to win the chairmanship.

Kenya's candidate, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, failed to win the position after losing to Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasised that Raila’s bid was not a personal endeavour but a collective Kenyan aspiration.

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"We have been on tenterhooks for the past week, praying for and supporting the candidature of our brother, Raila Amolo Odinga, to become the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. His candidature was not just his; it was the candidature of the Republic of Kenya and its people," said Wetangula.

Despite the setback, Wetang’ula called for increased efforts to free Africa from poverty and underdevelopment.

"Africa is the richest continent in the world, yet it is home to the poorest people. We look forward to a day when the immense wealth embedded in our continent will be reflected in the prosperity of its people," he said.

The Speaker urged the newly elected AUC Chairperson, Muhmoud, to work with all African nations, regardless of their voting positions in the election.

"Africa should not just be on the agenda of world leadership, we must sit at the table of world leadership. We should not merely be invited to where global leaders gather; instead, we must invite others to join us at the leadership table because we rightfully belong there," Wetang’ula added.

He also dismissed concerns that the election results could affect governance and service delivery in Kenya.

Responding to speculation over possible political fallout from the vote, Wetang’ula maintained that Kenya’s leadership remains united in its commitment to national development.

"I do not know, and I don’t think so, because the commitment to friendship, political realisation, and camaraderie—above all, the understanding that Kenya needs all of us to contribute to the betterment of its people—is not built on quicksand. It is a solid foundation that will propel this country forward," he said.

He emphasised that elections are democratic exercises where leaders compete but must unite afterwards for the country’s progress.

"After elections, these leaders have demonstrated to the country that the contest was about choosing a leader. Once a leader is chosen, we set aside our differences, unite and focus on the future of our country and the well-being of its people," he said.

Wetang’ula reaffirmed Kenya’s focus on social transformation and improving livelihoods, urging leaders to prioritise service delivery over political rivalries.

"We seek social transformation in Kenya. We want Kenyans to live better lives tomorrow than they do today and that is the prayer of every one of us," he concluded.