"Raila Will Punish You" ODM Leaders Tell Off Nyeri residents Celebrating Raila's defeat

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga lost his bid to become the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). 

The election, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw Raila lose to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Following the results, President William Ruto sent a message of encouragement to Raila and assured him that Kenya still stood strong.

Speaking after the election, Ruto expressed his gratitude to all African leaders who supported Raila’s candidacy.

"While the outcome of this election did not favor Kenya’s candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent. 

Thank you for considering the Right Honourable Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for according him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation," Ruto said.

Despite Raila’s loss, Ruto maintained that the competition was not about an individual but the future of Africa.

"This election was not about individuals or nations; it was about Africa’s future. 

That future remains bright, and together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage," he added.

The election was a tough contest, with 49 African heads of state casting their votes. 

The winner needed at least 33 votes, which is two-thirds of the total.

In the first round, Raila led with 20 votes, while Youssouf had 18. 

Madagascar’s Richard Randramandriato came third with 10 votes. 

Since none of the candidates met the required threshold, the election proceeded to the second round.

In the second round, Raila gained 22 votes, while Youssouf had 19. The Madagascar candidate got 7 votes and was eliminated. 

The election went into more rounds, and in the seventh round, Youssouf gained the required votes to be declared the winner.

Youssouf will now replace Moussa Faki of Chad as the new AUC chairperson. 

His role will involve leading the African Union Secretariat and pushing forward the Agenda 2063 plan for Africa’s development.

Kenyans and African leaders had different opinions about the results. 

Some congratulated Youssouf, while others expressed disappointment over Raila’s loss.

Despite the setback, Raila has promised to continue serving Africa in any way possible.

"I am not bitter, I am happy. I will always be ready to serve Africa," he said.