Africa missed out on the best, Ruto on Raila’s AUC defeat
The president commended Raila’s dedication throughout the campaign, noting that he engaged all key stakeholders and spared no effort in his bid for the position.
President William Ruto has described Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race as a missed opportunity for Africa. He noted that the continent was denied the leadership of an outstanding candidate.
Speaking at a dinner event on Saturday night, just hours after Raila conceded defeat to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Ruto expressed regret over two key aspects of the election’s outcome—Africa losing the chance to be led by a distinguished leader and Raila, whom he described as the best candidate, falling short.
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“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest,” Ruto said.
“Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward.”
The president commended Raila’s dedication throughout the campaign, noting that he engaged all key stakeholders and spared no effort in his bid for the position.
“I’m very proud of Raila. He did his best, and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud,” Ruto added.
“Whenever he was needed, he showed up. Tinga exceeded all expectations.”
Raila initially led the race, securing victory in the first two rounds of voting before losing momentum. In the first round, he garnered 20 votes, while Mahamoud received 18 and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato got 10. One country abstained.
In the second round, Raila increased his tally to 22, Mahamoud obtained 19, and Randriamandrato received 7 votes, with one abstention.
However, the third round saw Mahamoud take the lead with 23 votes, while Raila dropped to 20. Randriamandrato was eliminated after securing only 5 votes. This set the stage for a direct contest between Raila and Mahamoud.
Mahamoud widened the gap in the fourth round, securing 25 votes against Raila’s 21. One vote was spoilt, and one nation abstained.
The fifth round saw Mahamoud maintain his lead with 26 votes, while Raila got 21, with one abstention. In the sixth round, Mahamoud still had 26 votes, Raila gained 22, and one country abstained.
With Raila eliminated after the sixth round, Mahamoud advanced alone into the seventh round, where he secured the required two-thirds majority with 33 votes.
He now takes over from Chad’s Moussa Faki, who has served as the AUC chairperson for the past eight years.
He has pledged to serve the continent with dignity and accountability as he assumes office.
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Mahamoud acknowledged the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him, vowing to be a leader who upholds transparency and remains answerable to the expectations of African nations.
“Responsibility is not just an honour, but rather a duty for which a person will be held accountable. I ask God to help me perform its duties,” he said, attributing his victory to divine will and seeking strength to fulfil his mandate.
He also expressed gratitude to African heads of state for placing their trust in him, promising to work towards advancing the continent’s agenda.
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