Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed claims that President William Ruto was responsible for his loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race.

Speaking at a dinner in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the election, Odinga acknowledged Ruto’s full support in his campaign.

“There will be many theories—claims that I did not do enough, that I am too old, or that Ruto was not genuine. But Ruto did everything possible. He provided logistical support and helped me secure meetings with key African leaders,” Odinga stated.

Despite his confidence in winning, Odinga admitted that external factors influenced the outcome. However, he remained proud of his efforts, saying, “I walk with my head high.”

President Ruto also expressed disappointment over Odinga’s loss, describing him as the best candidate for the role. "Africa missed out on being led by one of its finest,” Ruto said, adding that Odinga made him proud.

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However, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka blamed Ruto’s recent involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) peace talks for the setback. According to Musyoka, Ruto’s role in the mediation process created friction with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), influencing their decision to back Madagascar’s candidate, Richard Randriamandrato.

Although SADC initially supported Randriamandrato, Djibouti’s candidate, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, ultimately secured victory with 33 votes, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. He now replaces Chad’s Moussa Faki, who served as AUC chair for eight years.