Raila Odinga: Whether I win or lose in AUC chairperson election, I'll keep serving Kenya

Odinga is facing competition from Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan of Mauritius and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Kenya's former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who is in the final stretch of his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson’s seat, has said he is prepared for any outcome of the February 2025 election.
While he remains hopeful, Odinga pointed out that if he is not elected, he will continue to serve his country with the same commitment.
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"I am a Kenyan; I will remain a Kenyan. If I do not get the seat, I will still be a Kenyan and will do what Kenyans want," he said during an interview on Friday.
Odinga is seeking to replace Moussa Faki Mahamat, a Chadian politician and diplomat whose term comes to an end early next year.
Odinga is facing competition from Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan of Mauritius and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Odinga, who is also the party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, has spent considerable time travelling across the continent, engaging with African leaders to secure their support.
"I have been to African countries; I have talked to many leaders and the majority have supported me. I am not done (talking to leaders)," he said.
“I expect when the elections come we will win. If we win it is OK, if not it is fine. We know that he who does not accept defeat is not fit for competition," Odinga added.
Should he be elected AUC chairperson, Odinga's vision includes enhancing infrastructure and promoting trade between African nations.
His goal is to foster both political and economic unity across the continent.
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