Falling short: Raila concedes Africa Union race, acknowledges Ruto’s full support

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga acknowledged President William Ruto’s unwavering support for African Union Commission chairman election. “He gave me a platform to meet all the leaders in the continent and actually we were sure we would win," Raila said in Addis Ababa. "We accept the results, I have congratulated my competitor. So ignore a lot of blame games that are going to be played." Raila was eliminated on Saturday, February 15 after he trailed Djibouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in the fifth and sixth rounds of voting. Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato was eliminated earlier after trailing the race in the first, second, third and fourth rounds, leaving the race for Raila and Youssof to face off. Youssouf won the race after garnering the requisite 33 votes in the 7th round of voting. Raila asked Kenyans to ignore those blaming the president for his loss, saying everyone in his campaign did their best. President William Ruto said he was disappointed by Raila’s loss. Ruto said that Africa lost the chance to be led by an outstanding leader, and that Raila—the continent’s best candidate—fell short. “I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest,” Ruto said. “Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward.” Ruto said Raila was dedicated to the campaign, noting that he met all key stakeholders and left no stone unturned in his quest for the position. “I’m very proud of Raila. He did his best, and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud,” Ruto added. “Whenever he was needed, he showed up. Tinga exceeded all expectations.”