Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has declared that Raila Odinga will be Kenya’s next president following his defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, February 15, Amisi suggested that Raila’s loss was a result of poor leadership decisions within Kenya’s political circles and hinted at his future in the country’s top political seat.

“When we talk, we are not mad. We know a lot, but those who know little lead us with pride and arrogance, and this is the result. Raila is the next president of Kenya,” Amisi stated.

Raila’s defeat

The election, held on February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emerge victorious over Raila after a highly contested process that lasted six rounds. Madagascar’s candidate, Richard Randriamandrato, was eliminated in the early stages.

In the first round, Raila led with 20 votes, followed closely by Youssouf with 18 votes. Madagascar’s candidate received 10 votes, while one member state abstained. Raila’s lead continued in the second round as he gained 22 votes against Youssouf’s 19, with Madagascar’s support dropping to seven votes.

However, the momentum shifted in the third round when Youssouf overtook Raila for the first time, securing 23 votes to Raila’s 20, while Madagascar’s candidate fell to just five votes and was eliminated.

With the competition between Djibouti and Kenya, Youssouf extended his lead in the fourth round with 25 votes to Raila’s 21, while two abstentions and two spoiled ballots were recorded. The fifth round saw Youssouf strengthen his position with 26 votes against Raila’s 22, with one country abstaining.

Before the final round could be conducted, Raila withdrew from the race, effectively conceding defeat and clearing the way for Youssouf to clinch the position.

Raila Odinga has yet to make an official statement on his next move, but speculation suggests he may refocus on Kenyan politics.