Raila OdingaA section of leaders have voiced their sentiments regarding the African Union Commission chairmanship elections in which Raila Odinga lost to Djibouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Raila was eliminated from the race after he trailed Youssof in the fifth and sixth rounds of voting.
Madagascar's 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, which he contested alone.
The news was received with mixed reactions back home with Senior Cousel Ahmednasir Abdullahi commending the former Prime Minister for putting up a good fight.
"Hon Raila and Kenya tried their best...but Djibouti and its candidate were more popular across the continent...congratulations," he said on X.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma also wrote on X commending President William Ruto for the support he accorded Raila in the AUC race.
"Thank you President William Ruto. You have done your best. Thank you Baba Raila Odinga. You ran the best campaign and gave it your all. The silver lining is clear - we now know our enemies."
"I will petition the withdrawal of East African Community from the African Union," he added.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa wrote: "Rao, you fought your fight and gave it your best. But know this—you are not the problem. Sasa kuja nyumbani, tusononeke pamoja. NB: Remember you have the Majority in parliament."
His Kericho counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot appeared to point out factors that in his opinion contibuted to the vote going against Kenya.
"Religion, France, Region," he wrote on X.
Speaking on Citizen TV, strategic adviser and political pundit Barrack Muluka said Raila will return and settle down to what he knows best politically, dismissing assumptions that the loss could be the end on his political career.
"Raila Odinga has a home and it's Kenya not Bondo. He will return and continue from where he left. Those who were hoping they would send him away abroad for them to roam freely as they wish should now be worried," he said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said Raila has always stood for something greater than himself - service, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future for Kenya and Africa.
He said whereas the outcome of the election is what the country expected, the ODM deputy party leader said it does not diminish the impact of Raila's leadership or the respect he commands across the continent.
"This was not just about a position; it was about a vision for Africa’s unity, progress, and prosperity. Baba’s legacy continues to inspire, and his influence remains as powerful as ever," he wrote on X.
"We hold our heads high, knowing that his contribution to Africa is far from over. The journey does not end here - it only takes a new direction. We remain steadfast in our loyalty, our belief, and our hope. Africa still needs Baba, and Kenya stands with him," added the governor.
Senior adviser, Council of Economic Advisers at State House, Moses Kuria, said Africa has lost an opportunity to benefit from Raila's visionary leadership.
"It is Africa which has lost not Baba. The challenges ahead are immense for Africa. It is Africa which has lost the mature leadership and drive. As a country we will keep Baba to ourselves and benefit from what Africa has lost," he said.
