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President William Ruto has released a statement following the defeat of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election.
On Saturday, February 15, Raila lost the African Union Commission election to Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Reacting to Raila's defeat, President Ruto expressed gratitude to the countries that backed the former prime minister's campaign.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership of our continent for their consideration of Kenya's candidate, despite the outcome not being in their favor. I thank you for giving the Right Honourable Raila Odinga the chance to share his vision and priorities for the African Union and to express his enthusiasm for the continent's development," Ruto said.
Ruto extended his warmest congratulations to Youssouf on his election victory and to Selma Haddadi on her appointment as deputy chairperson.
To the esteemed Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf and Deputy Chairperson Selma Haddadi of the African Union Commission, I offer my sincerest congratulations. You have the confidence of the AU Assembly, and Kenya reaffirms its wholehearted backing for you as you lead the Africa Union Commission forward.
The head of state emphasized that the AUC elections were not about a single person, but rather about Africa's future prospects.
"This election was not about individuals or nations, but about Africa's future. That future remains optimistic, and together, we will continue striving for a unified, prosperous, and influential Africa in the global community," President Ruto said.
More to follow...