- Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pointed fingers at President William Ruto, accusing him of contributing to Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election.
- Odinga lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who secured 33 votes.
- Kalonzo claims Kenya’s strained relations with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) played a role in the outcome.
SADC’s Alleged Role in Raila’s Defeat
Speaking in Kitui, Kalonzo argued that Ruto’s diplomatic missteps alienated key regional blocs, particularly SADC, which comprises 16 nations.
“The biggest loser is not Raila Odinga, it is William Ruto. He is the one who has tainted the image of the country,” Kalonzo asserted.
He explained that Raila initially had 22 votes, but when Madagascar’s candidate withdrew, SADC shifted its support to Djibouti.
“The 16-member bloc of SADC had problems with Ruto, and that’s why he called on a meeting and no one came,” he added.
DRC’s Rift with Kenya Over Rwanda
Kalonzo further alleged that DRC President Felix Tshisekedi was displeased with Kenya’s perceived support for Rwanda in the ongoing DRC conflict.
He suggested that this diplomatic rift influenced DRC’s voting decision in Addis Ababa, ultimately costing Odinga the AU top seat.
With Raila’s loss, political realignments in Kenya are expected as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.
