Ruto on AUC vote: Africa passed up the chance to be led by the finest

Speaking at a dinner event on Saturday night, hours after Raila conceded defeat to Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, President Ruto said he regretted two key aspects of the outcome: that Africa lost the chance to be led by an outstanding leader, and that Raila—the continent’s best candidate—fell short.

“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest,” President Ruto said. “Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward.” He commended Raila’s dedication throughout the campaign, noting that he met all key stakeholders and left no stone unturned in his quest for the position.

“I’m very proud of Raila. He did his best, and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud,” Ruto added. “Whenever he was needed, he showed up. Tinga exceeded all expectations.”

Raila initially led the race, winning the first two rounds of voting before losing momentum. In the first round, he secured 20 votes, Mahamoud 18, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato 10, with one nation abstaining.

In the second round, Raila increased his tally to 22, Mahamoud got 19, and Randriamandrato received 7 votes, with one abstention.

In the third round, Mahamoud took the lead with 23 votes, Raila dropped to 20, and Randriamandrato was eliminated with 5 votes. The contest then became a head-to-head battle between Raila and Mahamoud.

In the fourth round, Mahamoud extended his lead with 25 votes against Raila’s 21. One vote was spoilt, and one nation abstained.

The fifth round saw Mahamoud maintain his edge, securing 26 votes while Raila got 21, with one abstention. In the sixth round, Mahamoud held 26 votes, Raila gained 22, and one country abstained.

With Raila eliminated after the sixth round, Mahamoud proceeded alone in the seventh round, securing the required two-thirds majority with 33 votes.

Mahmoud now takes over from Chad’s Moussa Faki, who has led the AU Commission for the past eight years.