Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has maintained that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was the most suitable candidate to lead the African Union Commission (AUC).
In a message following Raila’s defeat to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf, the Deputy President said the former PM lost for reasons unrelated to his leadership credentials.
Kindiki asserted that Odinga possessed all the necessary qualifications to perform effectively as the AUC chairperson, particularly given the current challenges facing various regions on the continent.
“For the record, Kenya has never before proposed such a qualified, decorated, and ideologically sound candidate for an international position,” he said.
“Our loss despite such a superior candidate with a clear agenda for the continent and after such an energetic campaign require that we figure out what else to get right in future bids,” he added.
The Deputy President also reiterated that the efforts and commitment invested in campaigning for Odinga across the continent were commendable and sufficient to help Kenya secure the position.
“President Ruto, our candidate Raila Odinga and his campaign team gave their best. Unfortunately, we have lost. We remain a proud nation that we came so close. Today was not our day, our day will come. Thanks to all the friends of Kenya who stood with us when it mattered,” he stated
