I will accept the outcome of AU poll, whether a win or loss – Raila

As incumbent Moussa Faki’s term comes close to the homestretch, Raila is counting on African leaders to cast the vote in his favour come February 2025. 

“I have been to African countries, I have talked to many leaders and the majority have supported me. I am not done (talking to leaders). I expect when the elections come, we will win. If we win it is OK, if not it is fine. We know that he who does not accept defeat is not fit for competition,” Raila told Radio Citizen in an exclusive interview on Friday. 

While prepared for the outcome of the polls, Raila says that if he is not elected, he will continue to serve his country. 

“I am a Kenyan, I will remain a Kenyan. If I do not get the seat, I will still be a Kenyan and will do what Kenyans want,” he said. 

Raila shared that if elected, his vision is to uplift the continent by improving infrastructure and trading between African nations. He aims to unite the continent politically and economically. 

On December 24, incumbent chairperson Faki was on a trip to Kenya where he met President William Ruto at his Kilgoris home. 

In a media brief, Ruto said that they discussed African Union reforms and the upcoming AUC elections. 

"We are implementing reforms at the African Union’s structure to make it more effective and efficient in pursuing the continent’s interests," said Ruto. 

However, a number of commentators linked the meeting to a bidding session for Raila’s candidature. In a rebuttal, Ruto said Faki’s visit was not an endorsement.