Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed his gratitude and relief upon returning home after his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Speaking publicly for the first time since the election, Raila acknowledged the support he received from Kenyans and described the experience as an invaluable learning opportunity.
“I am delighted to be back home. You see, East, West, North, and South home is best. I feel very happy and delighted to be back in Kenya after what we went through. I want to thank everybody: the President, the Deputy President, the ministers, leaders, and Kenyans generally who travelled with us,” Raila said.
The election, which saw Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf emerge victorious, was a tightly contested race. Youssouf secured the position after garnering the requisite 33 votes in the seventh round of voting, where he ran unopposed. Raila had been eliminated in the sixth round after trailing in the fourth and fifth rounds. Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato was dropped earlier in the contest after finishing last in the initial rounds.
Despite his loss, Raila remains optimistic about the experience, describing it as a significant revelation about the dynamics of the African continent. He emphasized that the campaign journey allowed him to deepen his understanding of Africa’s challenges and opportunities.
“This was an enterprise that was an eye-opener. It gave us an opportunity to understand our continent better. We now know the challenges that face our continent. I had an opportunity to meet over 40 presidents in their own capitals,” Raila stated.
His remarks suggest a shift in focus towards domestic matters, with Raila viewing his return to Kenya as an opportunity to engage in other important national projects. The AUC election experience has broadened his perspectives on continental leadership, reinforcing his commitment to addressing Africa’s pressing issues from different avenues.
Raila’s bid for the AUC chairmanship was marked by high-level diplomatic engagements and extensive lobbying across Africa. His campaign saw him traverse the continent, seeking support from various leaders. However, geopolitical interests and regional alliances played a crucial role in the outcome, ultimately favoring Youssouf.
As Raila settles back into the Kenyan political landscape, his reflections on the AUC race may shape his future engagements both locally and regionally. While the loss was a setback, the former Prime Minister’s statement suggests a renewed focus on leveraging his experience to contribute to Africa’s development in other capacities.
