Kenyan leaders have discussed the AUC election and expressed mixed feelings as the country’s incumbent candidate Raila Odinga was defeated by Djibouti’s candidate Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Kenyan leader William Ruto has written on X.com expressing his gratitude to the leadership of the African continent.
“Thank you for listening to the vision and priorities of the esteemed Raila Odinga for the African Union and for giving him the opportunity to share his dream of change on this continent.
To the honorable Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, I extend my sincere congratulations.
The AU Assembly has placed its trust in you, and Kenya pledges its full cooperation as you lead the African Union Commission to the next level.
This election was not about people or nations, it was about the future of Africa. The future is one of hope and unity, and we will continue to work together for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa.
Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki wrote on X.com saying, President Ruto, our candidate Raila Odinga and his campaign team tried their best. Unfortunately, we have failed. We remain a happy nation that we came so close. Today was not our day but one day will come. Thank you to all Kenyan friends who stood with us at the right time.
He also stressed the need to reassess what went wrong so that it does not happen again in the future.
Mombasa Governor Abdulssemad Nassir said Raila has been seeking something greater than himself – service, integrity, and a never-ending search for a better future for Kenya and Africa.
He said while the election results were what the country expected, the ODM MP said it does not diminish the value of Raila’s leadership or the respect he has on the continent.
“This was not just about the position he ran for; it was about the vision of African unity, development, and prosperity. Baba’s expertise continues to inspire, and his influence remains as strong as ever,” he wrote on X.com.
