'The Outcome Can't Undermine Your Energy!' - Gachagua To Raila After AUC Loss

‘The Outcome Can’t Undermine Your Energy!’ – Gachagua To Raila After AUC Loss

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has delivered an emotional message to Raila Odinga following his loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship race.

Gachagua used social media on Sunday to praise Odinga for fighting valiantly in the closely contested election on Saturday, February 15.

“Baba, Raila Odinga, you put on a brave fight, elicited energy, resilience, and the indefatigable Lion of Africa,” Gachagua wrote.

“You came in a credible second as you held the Kenyan Flag high in a hotly contested seat of the AUC chairmanship.”

He added: “You did not lose; the majority had their way. The African and the Kenyan spirit lives on. The leap you made motifs the Kenyan optimism and great hope in the continent and the World.”

In a rare show of support for the former Prime Minister, Gachagua stated that the election result did not reflect Odinga’s leadership abilities for Africa’s top post.

In any case, Gachagua stated that the loss has merely prepared him to return to Kenyan politics, where he belongs because he has unfinished work.

“Africa needed you most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya, your motherland, and indeed, we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness,” Gachagua stated.

Baba @RailaOdinga, you put on a brave fight, elicited energy, resilience, and the undefatigable Lion of Africa.

You came in a credible 2nd as you held the Kenyan Flag high in a hotly contested seat of the AUC Chairmanship.

You did not lose; the majority had their way. The… pic.twitter.com/XOj4mUfF3j
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) February 16, 2025

“In any case, the outcome at the AU doesn’t, in any way, undermine your leadership and your energy to fix our Nation. Welcome back home, our son Raila Odinga, with your head held high; East or West, home is the best. Take heart, you did Kenya proud.”

The former prime minister was ousted from the election in the sixth round of voting, and Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf won.

Following his defeat, Kenyans had diverse reactions, with some applauding and others, particularly President William Ruto’s allies, expressing discontent with the election results.

Although Odinga promptly conceded defeat, some Kenyan parliamentarians considered withdrawing Kenya from the African Union.

They include Homabay Member of Parliament Peter Opondo Kaluma who stated, “I will petition the withdrawal of the East African Community from the African Union.”

ALSO READ:

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina held similar sentiments.

“Thank you President William Ruto for your effort. You did your best and we appreciate it. Now we must think of the future of Africa. Why not divide the African Union into two? Why not?” he posed.

Gachagua’s support for Odinga comes at a time when the former Deputy President has been aligning with opposition forces.

After campaigning for his AUC seat alongside President Ruto, the former Prime Minister appears to have deserted the opposition.

‘The Outcome Can’t Undermine Your Energy!’ – Gachagua To Raila After AUC Loss