President William Ruto now says Africa missed the opportunity to be led by the continent’s finest leader.
Speaking during a dinner event hours after Raila had conceded defeat and congratulated the new AUC Chairperson, Ruto noted that the continent was denied leadership by an outstanding candidate.
He noted that the continent was denied the leadership of an outstanding candidate.
The head of state expressed regret over two key aspects of the election’s outcome—Africa losing the chance to be led by a distinguished leader and Raila, whom he described as the best candidate, falling short.
“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest. Raila made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward,” Ruto stated.
The president commended Raila’s dedication throughout the campaign, noting that he engaged all key stakeholders and spared no effort in his bid for the position.
“I’m very proud of Raila. He did his best, and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud. Whenever he was needed, he showed up. Tinga exceeded all expectations,” Ruto stated.
During the Saturday AUC elections held in Addis Ababa, Raila secured victory in the first two rounds before losing momentum in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds where he dropped out before Mahamoud proceeded to the seventh round as a lone ranger and garnered 33 votes out of 49 and later sworn in as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Mahamoud took over from Chad’s Moussa Faki, who has served as the AUC chairperson for the past eight years.
He has pledged to serve the continent with dignity and accountability.
In his congratulatory message to Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, President Ruto pledged Kenya’s support in their leadership.
“I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you,” Ruto stated.
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