Raila Odinga Sends Strong Message To MPs, Leaders In Addis
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed gratitude to the MPs who traveled to Addis Ababa in support of his candidacy for chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Raila addressed the crowd in Ethiopia’s capital Sunday, saying he was not prepared to give a statement about his loss but thanked the parliamentarians.
“I want to begin by thanking all of you. You made me so proud that you travelled all the way from Kenya to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to be with Baba,” he said.
He added that some of the legislators traveled as far as Mandera, and some even took the bus.
Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, at a dinner hosted in Addis Ababa last evening, expressed his profound gratitude to the Kenyans of all walks of life, who made it to the Ethiopian Capital to stand in solidarity with him.
— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) February 16, 2025
To the team from Mandera who pooled their resources together and… pic.twitter.com/2QhaGnHIIn
“This is the sign of dedication and commitment. So, I’m so touched,” he added.
Raila, the favourite for the AUC battle, was defeated by Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf after seven rounds of voting.
The ODM leader performed admirably, winning the first two rounds of voting before the scales tilted in his favor with the dismissal of Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Despite the defeat, Raila maintained a good attitude, even listening to Sauti Sol’s Senje.
With a big grin, he moved gently to the song’s rhythm, joined by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.
The energy around him was electrifying, with the crowd chanting “Baba! Baba!”
In response, Raila raised his fist in a powerful show of support, his face filled with determination and optimism.
Enigma in Addis Ababa : The Raila Odinga supporters who flew to Ethiopia — share a meal with the AUC Candidate ahead of his big weekend
— Uzalendo News (@UzalendoNews_KE) February 14, 2025
The delegation includes his son, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, MPs and other politicians #UzalendoNews #Kenya pic.twitter.com/89UdStLN5D
The event highlighted his perseverance, telling his supporters that, despite the setback, the fight for change and togetherness continues.
Around 100 MPs traveled to Addis Ababa alone with Raila, including with some governors and government officials.
They accompanied President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
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Noordin Haji, the head of NIS, and Monica Juma, the national security adviser, were also there.
While only heads of state participated in the ballot, the overwhelming number of MPs exhibited national solidarity in support of Kenya’s nominee.
Foreign Affairs policy specialist Gordon K’achola stated that the solidarity proved Kenya’s internal unity to the international community.
“Kenyan MPs from across the political divide showing up in Addis Ababa to stand in solidarity with Raila would strengthen the idea of collective action in addressing some of the challenges in Africa,” K’achola said.
Raila Odinga Sends Strong Message To MPs, Leaders In Addis
