Reports have surfaced online suggesting that Mahamoud Youssouf, Djibouti’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship candidate, may be withdrawing from the race. There is speculation that Mahamoud Youssouf plans to step down from the AUC race in favour of Raila Odinga. The news spread quickly after Jubilee secretary-general Jeremiah Kioni, who appears to have a close relationship with Kenya’s AUC candidate Raila Odinga, posted a social media message congratulating him. He also accompanied his post with the caption “Gini Wesakwo,” meaning “this thing we’ve taken it.”
. This sparked widespread speculation online, with many Kenyans congratulating Raila and claiming that Mahamoud is withdrawing from the race just weeks before the February elections. Is Mahamoud Youssouf stepping down from AUC race? By the time of making this publication, neither Mahamoud nor his country had issued an official statement about his withdrawal from the race. Since no response has been provided regarding the allegations of Mahamoud withdrawing, the information circulating online has not been verified. Kenya’s AUC candidate, Raila, has not addressed or commented on the congratulatory message from Kioni. What would stepping down mean for Mahamoud? Political analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo weighed in on the situation, discussing the potential implications for Mahamoud if he decided to step down.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Bigambo said that the situation could be viewed as a campaign strategy by Raila’s team or as an attempt by a section of Kenyans to portray Raila as leading the race. “It could be that the rumours might be generated by Raila’s campaign team or Kenyan supporters to make it look like Raila has the upper hand. There is a possibility that some people are trying to pour some cold water on Djibouti’s candidate,” Bigambo said. The expert further said that Mahamoud stepping down from the race just weeks before the elections could tarnish his reputation as a leader on the continental stage. He stated that the decision to step down from the race is one that only Mahamoud and his country can make, and it can only be confirmed by him.
“It will be a choice made only by him and his country. And if he steps down, it may puncture his credibility as a leader globally,” Bigambo asserted. What does it mean for Raila if Mahamoud stepped down? Bigambo said that Mahamoud stepping down could work in Raila’s favor, potentially allowing him to win unopposed. When asked about his comment on Raila winning unopposed, despite Madagascar’s candidate Richard Randriamandrato still being in the race, Bigambo explained further. He stated that, in his view, Madagascar’s candidate lacks the political strength to defeat Raila. He asserted that Raila’s extensive experience over the years makes him a tough competitor for Madagascar’s Richard. “If he steps down, Raila will go unopposed because Madagascar’s candidate doesn’t have the political muscle to take Raila down,” he added.
by Faith Chandianya
