Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has strongly criticized Kenyans wishing for Raila Odinga’s failure in his bid for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC), labelling such actions as unpatriotic.

Speaking in the Senate on February 13, 2025, Cherargei expressed his dismay at reports of individuals actively working against Odinga’s candidacy, comparing Kenya’s situation to that of neighbouring Tanzania.

“I don’t understand what is wrong with some Kenyans. There are many people praying for Raila to fail. We are no longer patriotic, Mr. Speaker. Go to Tanzania; those people are very patriotic. But here in Kenya…” the senator stated.

In a particularly colourful statement, Cherargei claimed that some opponents had gone to extreme lengths to sabotage Odinga’s chances.

“I’m told others have gone to the mountains, and others are consulting witch doctors in the Indian Ocean for Raila to fail. Tunasema ‘Washindwe Kabisa katika Jina la Yesu’ Baba must strive,” he said.

Troubling time

The senator’s comments come as Odinga’s campaign faces a new challenge.

In a letter dated February 12, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) urged its 16 member states to back Madagascar’s candidate, former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.

“This letter, therefore, serves to encourage SADC Member States to support Richard J. Randriamandrato, a candidate from our region, for the position of AUC chairperson during the upcoming elections, in line with the August 2024 Council decision,” the SADC letter reads.

This last-minute directive could complicate Raila’s campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairpersonship.

Alongside Raila, this year’s AUC chairperson election features three other contenders: Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf, Mauritius’s Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.

AUC elections

According to the African Union’s January 27, 2025, announcement, the election will proceed in two phases.

In the first phase, scheduled for February 12-13, 2025, the AU Executive Council, which consists of foreign ministers from member states, will elect and appoint commissioners to oversee various portfolios within the AU Commission.

The second phase will involve voting on candidates for top leadership positions, including the AUC chairperson and the deputy chairpersons.

The decisive vote for the chairperson position will take place during the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on February 15-16, 2025.