NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenya to reflect on its loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election, emphasizing that the country remains proud despite the setback.
Kenya’s candidate, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was defeated by Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in a tightly contested election held in Addis Ababa on Saturday.
The race stretched to seven rounds, with Raila leading initially before losing ground to Youssouf, who eventually secured the required 33 votes in the final round.
In a statement following the loss, Kindiki acknowledged the efforts of President William Ruto, Raila, and his campaign team, noting that Kenya had put up a formidable fight.
“President 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, but our day will come,” Kindiki stated, thanking allies who backed Kenya’s bid.
Kindiki also strongly defended Raila’s credentials, describing him as the most qualified candidate Kenya has ever put forward for an international role.
He suggested that the defeat should prompt Kenya to reassess its approach to future continental leadership bids.
“For the record, Kenya has never before fronted such a qualified, decorated, and ideologically anchored candidate for an international job,” Kindiki remarked. “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.”
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 require that we figure…
