AUC elections not about personalities, nations – Ruto

President William Ruto reiterated on Saturday that the African Union Commission elections, in which Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga lost to Mahmoud Youssouf of Djibouti, were not a battle between personalities or countries.

He stated that the election represented an opportunity to establish new leadership that would champion the interests of the continent for the benefit of its people. This mission, he noted, continues with the election of new leaders for the positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the AU Commission.

“This election was not about individuals or nations; it was about Africa’s future. That future remains bright, and together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage,” he said.

Ruto spoke following the results of Saturday’s election process at the African Union Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He expressed his gratitude to all the leaders on the continent who welcomes and gave audience to Raila as he campaigned for the position.

Although the election did not favour Kenya’s candidate, he conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the entire leadership of the continent for their support of Raila Odinga.

“Thank you for considering the Right Hon. Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for according him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation,” he remarked.

The Kenyan head of state assured that Kenya would support the new Chairperson in the effort to realize the dream of a prosperous Africa.

“To their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the Africa Union Commission to the next level,” he said.