Edwin Sifuna blames Ruto’s foreign policy blunders for Raila Odinga’s failed African Union chair bid

President William Ruto’s mishandling of Kenya’s foreign policy is to blame for Raila Odinga’s failed bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat, according to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Sifuna claimed that Raila was the most qualified candidate for the continental position but lost due to Ruto’s handling of Kenya’s diplomatic strategy.

“I have said that we had a stellar candidate for the position of AU Chair, but he was messed up by William Ruto’s fumbling of Kenya’s foreign policy. The vote was a reflection of the thinking of African heads of state about William Ruto. That has been my position, and it will never change,” he said.

Odinga lost the AUC chairperson race on February 15, 2025, during elections held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Djibouti’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, eventually won the seat after securing the required 33 votes in the seventh round of voting. By that stage, he was the sole candidate, with Raila having been eliminated in the sixth round.

Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, who was also in the running, was knocked out in the third round, leaving Raila and Youssouf to compete head-to-head.

In the first round, Odinga secured 20 votes, Youssouf 18, and Randriamandrato 10, with one country abstaining. A two-thirds majority—33 votes—was required for a candidate to win. Odinga gained momentum in the second round with 22 votes, while Youssouf got 19 and Randriamandrato 7.

However, the tide turned in the third round as Youssouf overtook Odinga with 23 votes to 20. Randriamandrato, who received just 5 votes, was eliminated. In the fourth round, Odinga trailed with 21 votes to Youssouf’s 25, with two spoiled votes and one abstention.

The trend continued into the fifth round, where Youssouf garnered 26 votes against Odinga’s 21. Two countries abstained. In the sixth round, Youssouf maintained his lead with 26 votes, while Raila managed 22. One country abstained. With no clear path to victory, Odinga was eliminated, and Youssouf advanced unopposed to the seventh round, where he secured all 33 votes needed to win.

A total of 49 African Union member states participated in the election, with six countries excluded due to suspension following military coups.

The AUC chairperson serves a renewable four-year term, with the position rotating among Africa’s five regions. This cycle, it was the Eastern region’s turn to nominate a candidate, while the deputy chairperson post was allocated to the Northern region.

Reacting to the outcome, President Ruto expressed disappointment, describing Odinga as Africa’s best candidate for the role. He said the continent had missed the opportunity to be served by a leader of exceptional calibre.

“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest. Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward,” he said.

He praised Odinga’s dedication during the campaign, noting his commitment and presence at all key engagements.