Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised Kenya’s impressive performance in the recently concluded African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election, emphasizing that despite not clinching the top seat, the country emerged stronger on the continental stage.

Speaking on Sunday, February 16, 2025, during the induction ceremony of Rev. Stephen Mawira as the Bishop-elect of the Methodist Church of Kenya Nkubu Synod at Ntemwene Methodist Church in Meru County, Kindiki applauded President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and all leaders who backed Kenya’s bid.

Strong showing

Kindiki acknowledged that Kenya had worked tirelessly to secure the African Union’s top job and, even though the bid fell short, the effort was a demonstration of the country’s growing influence in African leadership.

“Kidogo jana tumekuwa kama nchi tumekuwa tukitafuta mmoja wetu kuongoza bara la Afrika lakini hatukufanikiwa,” Kindiki remarked, noting that Kenya had fought hard but did not succeed this time.

However, he hailed the support Kenya’s candidate received, emphasizing that over 20 African presidents voted for Raila Odinga, a significant show of confidence in the country’s leadership.

“If we did not succeed, I think we came out strongly because we got the support of over 20 African nations,” he added, underscoring Kenya’s diplomatic strength and growing influence in Africa’s political landscape.

Kindiki thanked all those who supported Kenya’s bid, particularly President Ruto and Raila Odinga, whose collaboration in the campaign had demonstrated a rare show of national unity.

He urged the two leaders to extend this unity beyond the AUC race and focus on fostering peace, stability, and development in Kenya.

“We just want to ask that the President and the former Prime Minister will continue working together to build the unity of Kenya, secure peace and stability for our country, the same way we were working together in that project,” Kindiki stated.

He noted that Kenya’s success on the continental stage is closely tied to its internal stability, urging all leaders, both in government and opposition, to prioritise unity and national development over political conflicts.

Intense race

Kindiki’s remarks came a day after Raila Odinga bowed out of the AUC chairmanship race in the sixth round of voting held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The election was hotly contested, going into six rounds of voting, as no candidate secured the required two-thirds majority (33 votes) from the African heads of state.

Raila started off strong, leading in the first round with 20 votes, ahead of Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (18 votes) and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato (10 votes).

His support grew to 22 votes in the second round, but Djibouti’s candidate overtook him in the third round, securing 23 votes to Raila’s 20.

By the fourth round, Djibouti’s candidate led with 25 votes, while Raila had 21 votes. The numbers remained almost unchanged through the fifth and sixth rounds, with Raila securing 22 votes in the final round before bowing out of the race.

Message of encouragement

On Saturday, February 15, shortly after Raila exited the race, Kindiki also sent him a message of appreciation, acknowledging his brave fight and resilience in the AUC contest.

He emphasized that the outcome should not be seen as a loss, as Kenya had proven its strength by rallying the support of over 20 African countries.

“We thank God hata kama siku yetu haikufika jana, our day will come in the future,” Kindiki stated, expressing confidence that Kenya would soon take up a top leadership role in Africa.

He also urged the nation to build on the momentum from this campaign and continue pursuing influential positions in African governance.

National unity

As Kindiki wrapped up his speech in Meru, he stressed the need for national unity, noting that Kenya’s ability to compete on the international stage depends on internal peace and stability.

He called on leaders across the political divide to work together, just as they had during the AUC campaign, to steer the country towards development.

“The President, the Prime Minister, and all leaders should work for national unity so we can move the development of our country to the next level,” Kindiki stated.