Leaders from across the political divide have weighed in on the African Union Commission chairperson elections that saw Djibouti’s
Kenya had been confident of victory but were humbled after Djibouti’s candidate snatched victory in the contest that dragged up to the seventh round, with Raila dropping after the sixth round of voting.
Odinga won the first two rounds before the Djiboutian turned tables, leading all through and snatching victory in the seventh round after garnering 33 votes.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa welcomed Raila back home, reminding him that his Azimio coalition party has the majority in parliament.
READ: Raila embraces AUC election loss with mature message to leaders who voted for opponent
Rao, you fought your fight and gave it your best. But know this—you are not the problem. Sasa kuja nyumbani, tusononeke pamoja. NB: Remember you have the Majority in parliament.
How leaders reacted to Raila's AUC loss
Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC: Hon Raila and Kenya tried their best...but Djibouti and its candidate were more popular across the continent...congratulations!
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot weighed on, alluding to some factors that in his view may have led to Raila losing contest.
"Religion, France, Region," he wrote on X.
READ: How Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf snatched victory from Raila in AUC chairperson elections
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o noted that the loss does not define Raila as his vision, dedication and fight for democracy remains an inspiration to many.
JAKOM!! Leadership is not defined by a single victory or loss but by the impact you make and the values you uphold. Though the outcome of this election was not what we hoped for, your vision, dedication, and fight for democracy remain an inspiration to many. Your journey does not end here—Africa still needs your voice, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to unity and progress. Stay strong, for true leaders rise beyond setbacks. The best is yet to come!
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma calls for introspection
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma noted that the AUC chairperson vote was an eye-opener which revealed Kenya’s real enemies writing:
Thank you President William Ruto. You have done your best. Thank you Baba Raila Odinga. You ran the best campaign and gave it your all. The silver lining is clear - we now know our enemies. I will petition the withdrawal of East African Community from the African Union.
Moses Kuria averred that Africa lost in the elections, adding that Kenya will keep Raila Odinga to itself and benefit from what the continent will miss.
It is Africa which has lost, not Baba. The challenges ahead are immense for Africa. It is Africa which has lost the mature leadership and drive. As a country, we will keep Baba to ourselves and benefit from what Africa has lost,”
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru commended Odinga for his dedication to represent the continent, while also praising President Willliam Ruto for the campaigns.
We applaud the strong campaign by @RailaOdinga and the entire Kenya team led by HE @WilliamsRuto for the @_AfricanUnion Commission Chairmanship. Though we didn’t win, @RailaOdinga’s dedication to representing Kenya on the continental stage is commendable. Welcome home baba,”
Interviews done across several media houses reflected the mixed feelings among Kenyans.
Welcome back home Raila
While some were disappointed with the results as they were expecting victory for Odinga, others noted that the defeat will free up time for the former Prime Minister to continue with his quest for a better Kenya.
'Ruto must go’ chants erupt in Kondele, Kisumu, after Raila Odinga lost the AUC chairmanship.
A section of those interviewed hailed President Ruto for backing the opposition leader whole-heartedly and for backing his campaigns which saw the former Prime Minister visit 29 countries.