President William Ruto hosted Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga at State House Mombasa on Monday morning, February 24.
President Ruto, lauded the Former Prime Minister for his Campaign in the African Union Commission Chairperson Bid, thanking the entire African continent for its show of solidarity and support to Kenya.
"Raila Odinga rolled out a formidable and effective campaign for the position of African Union Commission chairperson across the continent. He was present and available for the busy schedules and appointments in nearly all capitals of Africa." said Ruto.
"His inspiring message of what is needed for the continent's transformation brought our country, Eastern Africa, and Africa together. We thank everyone who contributed to his campaign. A special mention to the entire Africa for its show of solidarity and support to Kenya and Odinga." He added.
In a statement, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) acknowledged the meeting and indicated that Raila would be holding further discussions with his allies before making a major announcement.
"Raila Odinga this morning held consultations with President William Ruto at State House Mombasa. He said he will hold further consultations with his friends and other stakeholders on the state of affairs and make a major pronouncement in the coming few days," the statement read.
Speaking during the Event, Raila described Ruto as his younger brother, thanking him for supporting his bid for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.
The ODM boss added that he would consult with his party and friends before giving a way forward on his next move.
"I am back home and I am going to meet with my friends and supporters. I am going to consult widely on what is going on and in due course we are going to announce our way forward." said Raila.
"Today we just came to meet the President and thank him with his team for the support he had given me. Also, I want to thank Kenyans who have supported me throughout this period of the campaign. I want to say watch this pace, I will be talking again." He added.
The event was Ruto's first meeting with Raila after his concession in the AUC chairperson race, where he was eliminated after several rounds of voting.
In the Vote cast by African Heads of States in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15, 2025, Raila Odinga took an early Lead dominating round 1 and 2 with twenty votes and Twenty two votes respectively, however, they were not enough to see him declared the winner.
In round Three, Djibouti's candidate edged over Raila with twenty three votes to Raila's Twenty votes while Madagascar's candidate secured five votes, which saw him Disqualified from the Fourth Round.
The Next Rounds, were a tight race between Raila Odinga and Mahmoud Youssouf, with the Djibouti Candidate Declared the Eventual Winner after edging out Raila in Round 7.
Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf takes over as the new African Union Chairperson, succeeding Chad's Moussa Faki in the Continental Role for a Four Year Term.
