KENYA’S former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has lost his bid to become the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson after Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf secured victory. The defeat, announced on Saturday, February 15, marks a significant moment in Odinga’s political journey, as he now returns to Kenya with plans for the future.
A toughly contested race
Odinga’s loss came after a lengthy voting process at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, secured the required two-thirds majority, winning 33 votes in the seventh round of voting. This victory makes him the successor to Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has completed his two terms as AUC chair.
Despite the loss, Odinga accepted the outcome with grace. Addressing journalists in Addis Ababa, he conceded defeat and wished Youssouf success. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Environment Minister Aden Duale, both former political rivals of Odinga, stood by his side during the announcement, reflecting Kenya’s united front in the race.
Odinga’s return to familiar political grounds
With his AUC ambitions cut short, Odinga returns home, where he remains a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape. Having spent over four decades in politics, Odinga is known for his ability to influence national affairs, whether in government or opposition.
His return raises questions about the country’s political future. At 80 years old, some speculate whether he will still play an active role in elections, but his influence remains strong. Throughout Kenya’s history, no president—from Daniel arap Moi to William Ruto—has ruled comfortably without Odinga’s presence shaping the political discourse.
What’s next for Odinga?
Odinga has hinted at having ‘a lot of work’ ahead, though he has not specified his plans. His return could have implications for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, where President Ruto will seek re-election. Political analysts suggest that if Odinga senses an opportunity to challenge Ruto, he may once again throw his hat into the ring.
His cooperation with Ruto’s administration in mid-2024, which saw key members of his party appointed to the cabinet, sparked debate on whether he was stepping away from opposition politics. However, with his AU bid now behind him, his next moves will be closely watched.
As Kenya’s political heavyweight returns, the question remains—will he continue his alliance with Ruto, or will he once again become the opposition’s leading voice? Only time will tell.
