China has called for calm and optimism in Kenya after Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission chairman race in Addis Ababa on Saturday.
Chinese officials at the embassy have said Kenya remains strong and reassured its support for the East African country as Kenyans come to terms with Pan-Africanist Raila’s loss.
An official at the Chinese embassy has urged Kenyans not to despair saying Kenya stays strong.
The embassy said China will remain a loyal friend and a trusted partner, and will offer support to the country whenever needed.
“Just learned that Mr Odinga lost to Djiboutoi’s candidate. It’s alright. Kenya stays strong. We support Kenya,” the high-ranking Chinese embassy official said Saturday evening.
Earlier, China President Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory letter to the AU Assembly of heads of state and government, saying the African Union has always rallied African countries to vigorously promote integration within the continent, stand up to regional and global challenges, and make unified voice of Africa heard.
This is what Raila, as a pan-Africanist, has always fought for, especially when he was the AU’s high representative in charge of infrastructure in the continent.
President Xi said: “I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, warm congratulations to countries and people in Africa. As the world is experiencing great changes and disorder, the Global South, represented by China and Africa, keeps growing in strength.”
The Chinese president said the AU has ensured the continuous rise of Africa’s international standing and influence.
“I sincerely wish African countries and people new and even greater success in their independent pursuit of development and revitalization,” he said.
His message gave an assurance that no matter the winner of the AUC chairman race, China will continue supporting Africa and African countries, both collectively and individually.
His sentiments come amid mixed reactions from Kenyan leaders after the Raila loss.
President William Ruto’s senior economic advisor Moses Kuria said Raila’s loss in the AUC race is is Africa’s loss.
“It is Africa that 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,” Kuria posted on his X account.
China said Kenya remains one of the vast countries strategic partner and a key cog in the global south development.
Again, President Xi expressed his trust in the China-Africa relationship which he said will continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
“In 2024, China-Africa relations enjoyed robust growth. The Beijing Summit of FOCAC was successfully held. The two sides have ushered in a new stage of jointly building on all-weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the Mankind.
“I am ready to work with African leaders on the joint endeavor to implement the six propositions on modernization and ten partnership actions, to deliver more tangible benefits to the over 2.8 billion people in China and Africa,” President Xi said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said Raila has always stood for something greater than himself, including service, integrity and the relentless pursuit of a better future for Kenya and Africa.
“While the outcome of the AUC chairmanship bid is not what we hoped for, it does not diminish the impact of his leadership or the respect he commands across the continent,” Nassir said.
He said Raila’s bid was not just about a position but about a vision for Africa’s unity, progress, and prosperity.
He not that Raila’s legacy continues to inspire and his influence remains as powerful as ever.
“We hold our heads high, knowing that his contribution to Africa is far from over. The journey does not end here, it just takes a new direction,” the Mombasa governor said.
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