Nyanza residents say Raila welcomed home to keep Ruto's gov't in check after AUC loss

The failure of Raila Odinga to clinch the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on Saturday has elicited mixed reactions in his Nyanza backyard.

Shortly after Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was declared winner of the hotly contested seat, a section of Nyanza residents expressed disappointment, saying the loss has left them in despair.

In Suna East, Migori County, Bunge la wananchi speaker Okosi Elijah told Ramogi Radio that they accept the defeat, adding that Odinga is welcome back to Kenyan politics.

Okosi said Raila Odinga remains their leader in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and they are ready to take instruction from him at any time. He asked Odinga to work closely with President Ruto so that they could develop the country.

His remarks were echoed by former aspirant for Suna West constituency parliamentary seat Dave Odhiambo who asked the youths to stop insulting Odinga on Social media.

In Bondo, Siaya County, supporters of Azimio leader Raila Odinga argued that his loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) elections was still a win for Kenya.

Led by Fredrick Agola, the Bondo residents said Odinga will now continue putting the Kenyan government in check as the opposition leader.

Clifford Adori and Nyakwar Omoga expressed their disappointment but also held their hopes high, that Odinga shall still emerge strong come the 2027 general elections. 

The residents added that Odinga is the only person who can effectively put President William Ruto in check as many things have gone wrong due to his absence from the Kenyan political scene.

They at the same time indicated that Odinga is the only strong candidate who will be able to shake President Ruto come the 2027 general elections.

The residents had earlier planned a celebration in Bondo town in case Odinga won the AUC seat but had to cancel it at the last minute after the former Prime Minister lost to the Djibouti candidate.