From praises to mockery: How Kenyan leaders reacted to Raila Odinga's AU loss to Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti has been elected the new chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a tough election.

The election took place on February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After six rounds of voting Mahmoud defeated Kenya’s Raila Odinga in the final round after Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato was eliminated in the early stages. Mahmoud secured the required 33 votes to win.

Raila’s loss has sparked mixed reactions from leaders and Kenyans.

Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, known as Jalang’o, urged Raila to stay strong saying that leadership is not about winning or losing but about the impact a leader makes and the values they stand for.

He wrote: “Your journey does not end here—Africa still needs your voice, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to unity and progress. Stay strong, for true leaders rise beyond setbacks. The best is yet to come!”

Senior Advisor in the Council of Economic Advisors at State House Moses Kuria said Africa had lost, not Raila. He noted that Africa needed Raila’s leadership but now Kenya would benefit instead.

“It is Africa which has lost, not Baba. The challenges ahead are immense for Africa. It is Africa which has lost the mature leadership and drive. As a country we will keep Baba to ourselves and benefit from what Africa has lost,” he said.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru praised Raila and President William Ruto for leading a strong campaign. She thanked Raila for representing Kenya well.

She wrote on X, "We applaud the strong campaign by @RailaOdinga and the entire Kenya team led by HE @WilliamsRuto for the @_AfricanUnion Commission Chairmanship. Though we didn’t win, @RailaOdinga’s dedication to representing Kenya on the continental stage is commendable. Welcome home Baba."

On his part, President William Ruto thanked African leaders for giving Raila a chance to share his vision for the continent. He said, “While the outcome of this election did not favour 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 giving him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation.”

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed his support for Raila, calling him a mentor and a friend. He wrote, “My Boss. My Mentor. My Friend. My Leader. You still have a Home. Come back. We still Love you. We are Proud of you. Nothing has changed.”

Homa Bay Town MP George Peter Kaluma said he would push for East Africa to withdraw from the African Union. He stated, “I will petition the withdrawal of East African Community from the African Union.” He did not explain how he planned to do this.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticised some Nyeri residents for celebrating Raila’s loss. He said it showed the height of their unexplained hatred toward him. “Nyeri residents celebrating Raila loss at AU is the lowest they can go in their unexplained hate on him. Baba will punish you by supporting Ruto re-election! What kind of hatred is that surely!” he said.

However, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya mocked Raila. He claimed Raila’s ambitions had led to his downfall. He accused him of betraying his supporters and selling out to the government. He wrote on his Instagram, “He betrayed Kenyans. Wacha akule selfishness yake.”

Raila accepted the results. He said he was not bitter and was ready to serve Africa in other ways. “When you go to a contest, there can only be two outcomes—you can win or you can lose. So this is one of them,” he said.

He added, “Therefore, I am not bitter; I am very happy indeed. I am still available to offer services to the continent in any other capacity. My plan now is to go back home. I have so many things to do back home.”