On Sunday, February 16, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed sympathy for Raila Odinga following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. However, Kalonzo placed the blame squarely on President William Ruto, accusing him of diplomatic missteps that might have cost Raila the coveted continental position.

Raila Odinga’s Loss in the AUC Race

The former prime minister’s defeat came as a surprise to many when he lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Saturday, February 15. Raila had been optimistic about securing the position, which would have seen him play a key role in steering Africa’s development agenda. However, the results told a different story, prompting Kalonzo to point fingers at President Ruto’s diplomatic engagements.

SADC’s Influence on the Election Outcome

Speaking during a church service in Kitui County, Kalonzo alleged that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc, comprising 16 member states, played a significant role in Raila’s loss. He attributed this to dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s handling of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) crisis.

“The 16-member SADC bloc had issues with William Ruto’s leadership. This is what caused this terrible loss to the country. Raila’s image was soiled by this loss,” Kalonzo stated.

According to Kalonzo, SADC countries rallied behind Djibouti’s candidate in the second round of voting after Madagascar’s contender withdrew. This shift, he said, was not necessarily a vote against Raila but a reaction to grievances about Ruto’s diplomatic approach.

Raila’s Response to the Loss

Despite the political blame game, Raila Odinga took a more conciliatory stance. Speaking during a dinner in Addis Ababa after the election, the ODM party leader dismissed claims that President Ruto was responsible for his defeat. Raila commended Ruto for his unwavering support during the campaign and acknowledged the complexities of AU politics.

“The president did everything possible to ensure my campaign was successful,” Raila said. He reassured his supporters that the loss was influenced by multiple factors beyond Kenya’s control, promising to reveal more details in due course.

Ruto’s Reaction to the Outcome

President Ruto also spoke during the dinner event, lauding Raila for his commitment to serving Africa. He described Raila as the best candidate for the job and emphasized that the continent was the biggest loser in his defeat.

“Raila Odinga represented Kenya with distinction, and Africa missed an opportunity to benefit from his vast experience,” Ruto said.

Political Implications of the AUC Loss

The outcome of the AUC race has reignited political debates in Kenya, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s foreign policy. Kalonzo’s remarks suggest a potential strain in regional diplomatic relations, particularly with SADC member states.

As Raila reflects on his campaign and the reasons behind the loss, political analysts are watching closely to see how this development might influence Kenya’s diplomatic strategies and internal political dynamics.

Stay tuned to Nairobian for more updates on this and other breaking news stories.