Raila Odinga To Announce Next Move After AU Chairmanship Loss

Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has said he will soon announce his next course of action following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting to thank the government for its support in his candidature, Odinga reaffirmed his commitment to serving Kenya.

Odinga, a veteran opposition leader, has played a key role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape, often challenging past governments.

However, at different times—including during the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta—he opted to work with the government in a spirit of national unity.

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf won the AUC chairmanship after securing the required two-thirds majority in the seventh round of voting.

The race began with Odinga leading the first round with 20 votes, followed closely by Youssouf with 18 votes, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato with 10 votes.

As the contest progressed, Youssouf steadily gained support, surpassing Odinga in the third round with 23 votes against Odinga’s 20.

By the final round, Youssouf secured 33 votes, clinching victory. This marks Kenya’s second failed attempt at the AU chairmanship, following a similar loss in 2017 when Amina Mohamed was defeated by Chad’s Moussa Faki.

Addressing his supporters, Odinga expressed gratitude to African leaders for participating in the democratic process.

“We are available to help the continent of Africa, and more importantly, we are also available for Kenya,” he said.

Odinga hinted at making a major announcement after consulting with his allies.

“I am back home. I will meet with my friends and supporters to consult widely on the way forward. In due course, we will announce our next steps,” he added.

He also thanked African leaders who backed his candidacy, stating, “I appreciate those who stood with us until the last moment. If we had wanted, we could have completely stopped the election because you need a two-thirds majority to be elected.”

President William Ruto, who supported Odinga’s bid, maintained that he was the best candidate for the job.