Raila Allies Vow to Continue Supporting Ruto Despite AUC Loss

Allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have reaffirmed their commitment to working with President William Ruto despite Raila’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson election. The leaders emphasized national unity and lauded Ruto for his steadfast support throughout Raila’s campaign for the continental position.

Raila Odinga, who conceded defeat gracefully, congratulated the newly elected AUC Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, after a tense six-round voting process.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Raila’s allies expressed gratitude to President Ruto for his unwavering support throughout the campaign and election period, signaling a commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship between the opposition and the government.

Gratitude for Ruto’s Support

Odinga and Ruto share a light moment at the AU Summit before the heads of states embarked on biting for the AUC Chairman.

Minority Leader Junet Mohamed led the chorus of appreciation, thanking President Ruto for his dedication to Raila’s AUC bid. “I want to thank the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency President William Ruto, for the unwavering support he and his government gave to Hon. Odinga’s candidacy in the AU elections,” Junet said. He described Raila as a leader who has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and sacrifice for the continent, qualities that have made Kenya proud.

George Aladwa, ODM Chairperson for Nairobi County, echoed these sentiments, vowing to continue supporting President Ruto. “We will all support President Ruto because he has done a great job of dedication to support Baba’s ambition. We are not people who repay good for evil, and what Raila has said is what we are following,” Aladwa stated. He urged those in opposition to focus on their own political strategies, emphasizing the need for unity.

Homa Bay MP George Kaluma reinforced the message of unity, declaring that the ODM party would stand with President Ruto to defend Kenya’s nationhood. “As ODM, we will stand and fight for Kenya with President William Ruto. We will not allow these bigoted tribalists to succeed against Kenya’s nationhood project,” Kaluma asserted.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also expressed gratitude to all who supported Raila’s bid, noting that the former Prime Minister remains deeply loved by his supporters. “To all those who supported, we want to say thank you, and Baba is extremely loved,” she said.

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda acknowledged Raila’s qualifications for the AUC role but accepted the election results with grace. “Raila remains our leader, and his vision for a united and prosperous Kenya endures,” Ojienda said. He praised Raila’s commitment to Kenya’s best interests and highlighted President Ruto’s resolute support for Odinga’s candidacy as a display of exemplary leadership.

Raila’s Statesmanship Praised

At a press conference in Addis Ababa, Azimio and Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Junet Mohamed, detailed the events of the AUC election. They revealed that Raila emerged as the front-runner in the first two rounds of voting but chose to step down after six rounds to avoid a prolonged stalemate. “In the spirit of Pan-Africanism, he chose to step down, recognizing that after seven rounds without an outright winner, the elections were likely to be deferred,” Junet explained.

Junet likened Raila’s decision to the precedent set in 2012, when a similar election between Jean Ping and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was postponed due to a lack of a decisive outcome. “As a true Pan-Africanist, Raila Odinga once again put the interests of the continent before personal ambitions, demonstrating statesmanship and unwavering commitment to African unity and progress,” Junet said.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot acknowledged that the election outcome was not what they had hoped for but expressed pride in Raila’s journey. “We are extremely proud of the journey that he walked. He gave a great account of himself, and every patriotic Kenyan is extremely proud of the Prime Minister,” Cheruiyot said.

Millie Odhiambo, National Assembly Minority Whip, congratulated Raila for his strong showing in the AUC race. “Even though it did not go the way we had intended, we are still very proud of Baba, and we know that he still has a lot to offer in Africa and beyond,” she said.

Prof. Tom Ojienda foresaw a stronger political union in Kenya, predicting closer collaboration between ODM, UDA, and other parties. “I foresee in Kenya the union between ODM, UDA, and other parties getting even stronger,” he said.

As Raila prepares to return, his allies have called on Kenyans to give him a warm welcome, underscoring his legacy in both national and continental leadership.