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A group of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders has reacted strongly after residents of Nyeri County celebrated Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election. 

The celebrations happened on Saturday evening after Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was declared the winner.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi expressed his disappointment, questioning why some people in Nyeri were happy about Raila’s defeat. 

He even suggested that Raila could “punish” them by supporting President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

“Nyeri residents celebrating Raila's loss at AU is the lowest they can go in their unexplained hate on him. 

Baba will punish you by supporting Ruto's re-election. What kind of hatred is that surely?” Amisi said.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma took a different approach and called for forgiveness. 

He urged Raila to overlook the celebrations and focus on strengthening ties with Ruto to address national issues.

“I forgive these people from Nyeri. Forgive them, Baba, for they do not know what they are doing. 

May this cement and strengthen our relationship with President Ruto to fight harder for Kenya against ethnic exclusion and hegemony,” Kaluma stated.

Philip Etale, ODM’s director of communications, reminded Nyeri residents of Raila’s past support for their leaders. 

He recalled how Raila stood with former President Mwai Kibaki during the 2002 elections and even helped him get medical care in the UK after an accident.

“Dear Nyerians, Kenya is bigger than you people. When Raila said ‘Kibaki Tosha,’ ran up and down, and even used his credit card to take him to hospital in the UK after the nasty accident, he knew very well that Emilio was from Nyeri.

Verily, there will come a time when other people will sing, dance, and celebrate the downfall of a man or woman from Nyeri. Tolerance is paramount,” Etale said.

Meanwhile, some Nyeri residents defended their celebrations, saying Raila’s loss would allow him to focus on important issues at home.

“We are happy that God has brought Raila back to us. 

Now, we want him to stand firm, just as he always has, and expose all the hidden truths about where our children are going. 

We welcome him with open arms and want him back,” one local resident said.

Raila’s defeat in the AUC election has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with leaders and citizens sharing different views on its significance.