President Ruto pledges support new AUC chair following Raila’s defeat

Kenya’s support for newly elected African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and his deputy Selma Haddadi has been conveyed by President William Ruto.

After overcoming fierce opposition from Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga, Mahamoud won the AUC top seat in seven rounds.

In a statement published on X, Ruto commended other African heads of state for listening to Odinga throughout the campaign before the final vote on Saturday.

“My sincere congratulations go out to their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the Africa Union Commission to the next level.” He said.

“Even though the results of this election did not favor Kenya’s candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent. Thank you for considering Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for giving him the chance to share his passion for the continent’s transformation.”

Since then, Odinga has also admitted that he lost the race and congratulated Mahamoud, the new chair of the AUC, saying he is now excited about “coming back home.”