Following Raila Odinga’s defeat in the contest for chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua sent him a sincere message.
Gachagua praised Odinga on social media on Sunday for fighting valiantly in the hotly contested election on Saturday, February 15.
“You fought valiantly, Baba, Raila Odinga, inspiring vigor, fortitude, and the unstoppable Lion of Africa. In a fiercely contested race for the AUC presidency, you held the Kenyan flag high and finished in a credible second place,” Gachagua wrote.
“The majority got their way; you didn’t lose. The spirit of Kenya and Africa endures. Kenyan optimism and immense hope for the continent and the world are reflected in the jump you made.
In an uncommon display of support for the former prime minister, Gachagua pointed out that the election’s defeat did not diminish Odinga’s leadership abilities for Africa’s top position.
In any event, Gachagua pointed out that the defeat has merely prepared him to return to Kenyan politics, where he belongs, because he had unresolved matters to attend to.
“Africa needed you most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya, your motherland, and indeed, we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness,” Gachagua said.
“Regardless, your leadership and your efforts to improve our country are not in the least bit diminished by the results at the AU. With your head held high, our son Raila Odinga, welcome home. Whether you’re from the East or the West, home is the greatest. Rest assured, you made Kenya proud.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti won the election when the former prime minister was removed from the race after the sixth round of voting.
Kenyans’ reactions to his defeat were divided, with some cheering and others—particularly those close to President William Ruto—expressing discontent with the election’s result.
Gachagua’s backing of Odinga coincides with the former Deputy President’s support for the opposition party, which the former Prime Minister appears to have abandoned since he teamed up with President Ruto to run for his AUC seat.
