Tears and discontent in Raila strongholds as he fails to clinch African Union top job
Anticipation runs high at the Kondele roundabout on February 15, 2025, as residents gather around a giant screen, eagerly following the African Union Commission (AUC) elections.
There were tears and disappointment as supporters of Raila Odinga in his perceived stronghold of Nyanza expressed their displeasure following the former prime minister’s failure to clinch the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship position.
In Kisumu, residents of Kondele area who were following the proceedings through a massive screen erected below the Flyover area, broke into tears immediately Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected AUC Chair after garnering the required 33 votes.
The high spirits that characterised the mid-morning mood among Kondele residents were dimmed moments after Mr Youssouf was declared the new AUC boss to replace Chad’s Mouusa Faki Mahamat.
Locals at Kondele roundabout watching the proceedings exhibit diverse reactions after the results from Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025.
The sudden rains after a scorching daytime sun only further dampened the mood of the dejected Odinga supporters.
While some chose to walk out from Kondele Fly Over where they had been keenly following the election proceedings, a number of people congratulated Mr Odinga for his bravery and resilience. Others broke into chants of “Ruto must go,” indicating displeasure at the President, who pushed Mr Odinga’s candidature.
Kisumu residents gather at the Kondele roundabout around a giant screen, eagerly following the live African Union Commission (AUC) proceedings on February 15, 2025.
The votes he had garnered, they said, were proof that he is a good leader both in Kenya and beyond.
“Raila has shown us that he is the best, the fact that he came out as one of the aspirants is a clear confirmation of the winner that he is,” said Mr Stanley Onyango, a resident of Kondele.
According to Mr Onyango, while Mr Odinga did not manage to win the race, he had proved beyond doubt that he is indeed a good leader.
“We need you back home more than we want you out there, we want you to help us do away with bad governance,” said Mr Onyango.
A section of the residents wanted Mr Odinga to come back to Kenya and continue guiding the nation in political matters.
Locals at Kondele roundabout watching the proceedings exhibit diverse reactions after the results from Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025.
"Mr Odinga is a Pan Africanist, he joined the list of exceptional African leaders like Kwame Nkurumah, Nelson Mandela among. He did not win the AUC seat, but we know that he is a winner,” said Mr George Wandaga, a resident of Kondele.
He added: “I came here prepared for anything, he could lose or win but the most important thing is that he is our son and we will always welcome him with an embrace,”.
In Siaya, the home county of Mr Odinga, some residents expressed their disappointment with the outcome of the AUC elections terming it unexpected.
The locals who had thronged different joints and followed the process via television, were shocked by the outcome.
"I must say I am disappointed by the outcome. However, I have to accept because it was a democratic process," said Mr Samuel Ochieng, a resident of Siaya Town.
He went on: "I take this opportunity to congratulate my party leader for reaching that far. He was the best that Africa would have got but the heads of State decided otherwise."
Mr Reagan Ojwang, cited Southern African countries’ last minute communication that indicated that they would back Mr Richard Randriamandrato, saying it went against democratic process.
"Kenya as a country has been at the service of many South African countries. Our soldiers have helped at difficult times and withdrawing their support at the last minute was a bad taste."
In Homa Bay, Mr Odinga supporters had mixed reactions after he lost his bid in the AUC seat.
While some people asked him to return to Kenyan politics, others want him to retire.
During the day, groups of people were glued to TVs and radios to get updates of the election.
Most people who spoke to the Nation said they expected the ODM leader to win.
Mr Job Onyango said the former Prime Minister should have won the seat based on the intense campaign that President Ruto had put for him.
Mr Jared Odhiambo, a resident, said it is time for the country to focus on other issues.
“I think we need to support President Ruto because he is the only person now who can lead the country,” he said.
By GEORGE ODIWUOR, ANGELINE OCHIENG, KASSIM ADINASI and RUSHDIE OUDIA