Kenyan Politicians Threaten AU Exit After Odinga Loses Commission Chair Race to Djibouti

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's allies have raised the prospect of Kenya's withdrawal from the African Union (AU).

This follows Odinga's electoral defeat for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election, held during the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, resulted in the victory of Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf. After intense deliberation across seven voting rounds, Youssouf finally secured the role. Youssouf garnered 33 votes, achieving the requisite two-thirds majority from the 49 participating heads of state.

Odinga’s candidacy met stiff competition, notably from Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato. The outcome has provoked robust reactions from Odinga's supporters, leading to discussions about Kenya's role within the AU. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has emerged as a prominent voice, expressing intentions to advocate for Kenya's departure from the AU and the potential withdrawal of the EAC.

The block comprises eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. In a parallel sentiment, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has suggested that Kenya reevaluate its financial commitments to the AU, arguing for a reduction in immediate financial contributions and possibly an exit. This growing dissatisfaction reflects deeper concerns regarding the AU’s structure and its influence on member states’ interests.

Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok has also weighed in, acknowledging President William Ruto’s support for Odinga’s candidacy while advocating for a reevaluation of the AU’s structures. He has posed a provocative question, suggesting, “Why not divide the African Union into two?”

It is worth noting that the election process for the AUC chairperson is exclusive to member states and free from military governance. The role rotates among the AU’s five regions. During this election cycle, the Eastern region nominated the chair while the Northern region provided a deputy.