Welcome back home; Kenyans have unfinished business with you, Gachagua tells Raila after AUC defeat

Welcome back home; Kenyans have unfinished business with you, Gachagua tells Raila after AUC defeat

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has consoled Raila Odinga following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson seat, urging him to press on despite the outcome.

Gachagua acknowledged Raila’s efforts in the high-stakes contest, stating that while Africa needed his leadership, Kenya required him even more. He emphasised that Raila was the only leader capable of addressing the challenges facing the country.

"Baba Raila Odinga, you put on a brave fight, demonstrating energy, resilience, and the indefatigable spirit of the Lion of Africa. You came in a credible second while flying the Kenyan flag high in the hotly contested AUC Chairmanship race," Gachagua said in a statement on Sunday.

He reassured Raila that his performance was not a loss but rather a situation where the majority had their way. According to him, Raila’s campaign reflected the spirit of Kenya and Africa, reinforcing optimism and hope across the continent and beyond.

"Africa needed you most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya, your motherland, and indeed, we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness," he said.

Gachagua maintained that the outcome of the AU race did not diminish Raila’s leadership or his ability to contribute to Kenya’s progress. He welcomed him back, encouraging him to hold his head high.

"In any case, the outcome at the AU does not, in any way, undermine your leadership and your energy to fix our nation. Welcome back home, our son Raila Odinga, with your head held high; East or West, home is the best. Take heart, you did Kenya proud," he said.

Raila had been vying for the AUC position but was defeated in Saturday’s election, which saw Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected as the new Chairperson of the AUC in the elections. Despite the result, his bid was widely regarded as a demonstration of Kenya’s strong presence in continental leadership.

Raila, who led in the first and second rounds trailed Youssouf in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds leading to his elimination ahead of the seventh round which saw the Djiboutian candidate contest alone.

It was during the seventh round that Youssouf garnered the requisite 33 votes to clinch the seat.

Raila Odinga concedes defeat in the AUC chairperson race

Raila Odinga: We did not succeed. I concede defeat and I want to use this as an example of strengthening democracy in our continent. I wish my competitor Mahmoud Youssouf all the best. I want to thank all those countries… pic.twitter.com/JgZCQSEphL

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) February 15, 2025

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed that Kenya remains a proud nation despite falling short in the AUC elections.

Kindiki commended the efforts of President William Ruto, Raila, and the campaign team, noting that Kenya had given its best in the contest.

"President William Ruto, our candidate Raila Odinga, and his campaign team gave their best. Unfortunately, we have lost. We remain a proud nation that we came so close. Today was not our day; our day will come. Thanks to all the friends of Kenya who stood with us when it mattered," he said.

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• Gachagua tells Raila after AUC defeat

He defended Raila’s credentials, stating that he was the most qualified candidate ever put forward by Kenya for an international role. He called for reflection on the loss, urging Kenya to assess areas for improvement in future bids.

"For the record, Kenya has never before fronted such a qualified, decorated and ideologically anchored candidate for an international job. Our loss despite such a superior candidate with a clear agenda for the continent and after such an energetic campaign requires that we figure out what else to get right in future bids," Kindiki remarked.

Meanwhile, some of Raila’s allies have expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, with some threatening to push for Kenya’s withdrawal from the African Union.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma announced plans to petition for the East African Community (EAC) to withdraw from the AU.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi also called for a reassessment of Kenya’s financial commitments to the continental body.

"In the short run, Kenya must now limit its financial commitments to AU and in the long run, exit," Atandi said.

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, while acknowledging President Ruto’s efforts in backing Raila, suggested restructuring the AU.

"Thank you, President William Ruto, for your effort. You did your best, and we appreciate it. Now we must think of the future of Africa. Why not divide the African Union into two? Why not?" he posed.

The AUC chairperson is elected by member states, excluding those under military rule. The position is held for a four-year term, renewable once, and rotates among the five regions.