Former prime minister Raila Odinga has revealed that he could have disrupted the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections but chose not to, despite having the backing of several African leaders. Raila Odinga stated that he’s not bitter after the latest defeat. Photo: Raila Odinga. Source: Facebook During an event hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Mombasa, on Monday, February 24, Raila expressed gratitude to those who supported his bid and reflected on his campaign journey across the continent. The former prime minister, who lost the AUC chairperson race to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, stressed that his campaign was not in vain. Raila explained that it provided him with a deeper understanding of Africa’s challenges and strengthened his relationships with other African leaders. How could Raila Odinga have disrupted AUC voting Raila revealed that he had the support of enough African leaders to block the election of a new AUC chairperson, as the position requires a two-thirds majority vote.
However, the former premier explained that he chose not to pursue this path, opting instead to respect the democratic process. “I also want to thank the other leaders across the continent. Those who voted for us. They are those who stood with us to the last moment and voted. If we had wanted, we would have completely stopped the elections because you require two-thirds to be elected. These leaders were ready to go with us to the end and they would not have been able to get the two-thirds. So I thank them,” Raila stated. He also extended his gratitude to those who voted against him, acknowledging their right to exercise their democratic choice. “I also thank those who voted against us because in doing so they were exercising their democratic rights. That’s how democracy works. So we are not bitter at all. I congratulated my competitors, the candidates from Madagascar, and the candidate from Djibouti, who eventually won, and wished him well indeed,” Raila said.
How was Raila Odinga impacted by his AUC campaign? Raila described his return to Kenya as a moment of joy and relief, highlighting the importance of homecoming after a gruelling campaign. “You see, East-West North-South, home is home is best. I feel very, very happy and delighted to be back in Kenya after what we went through. I want to thank everybody,” Raila stated. He thanked Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, government ministers, and Kenyans for their unwavering support throughout his campaign. Raila Odinga and William Ruto share a moment in Mombasa.The veteran politician described his campaign as an eye-opening experience that allowed him to engage with over 40 African presidents and gain a deeper understanding of the continent’s challenges. Raila pointed out that the campaign provided him with a platform to discuss not only his candidature but also the pressing issues affecting African nations.
“This was an enterprise that has been an eye-opener. It gave us opportunity to understand our continent better. To engage and talk with the leaders across the whole continent,” he observed. How much was spent on Raila’s campaign Earlier, the former prime minister refuted claims that the Kenyan government spent KSh 13 billion on his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship campaign. Raila dismissed the allegations made by Juja MP George Koimburi, stating that the funds used were primarily for necessary travel expenses. The former premier explained that he did not lead a luxurious lifestyle during the campaign.
by Didacus Malowa
