Debunking Misconceptions About Kenya’s AU Bid Loss 

By Gem Musings

The claim that Kenya’s candidate lost the AU bid due to President Ruto’s support is a misguided narrative. If anything, Ruto’s vigorous campaigning demonstrated the energy, strategy, and diplomatic urgency that should always accompany Kenyan contenders on the global stage. 

This bid secured backing from five more nations than during Amina Mohamed’s 2017 campaign—a tangible improvement. However, the outcome was ultimately shaped by entrenched regional alliances rooted in language, religion, geography, and trade interests—factors far beyond Nairobi’s control.  

Why This Matters for Kenya’s Future

This level of government commitment must not be a one-off. Kenya’s diplomats, envoys, and representatives worldwide must treat the advancement of Kenyan interests—whether in securing jobs, contracts, or influence—as their non-negotiable mandate. Raila Odinga’s bid is just the beginning: every Kenyan vying for roles at the UN, AU, or multilateral institutions deserves this caliber of backing. 

A Call for Unity: Lessons from Sports and Beyond

Critics linking Raila’s loss to the finance bill protests ignore a key fact: his AU bid was announced months before the demonstrations. More importantly, let’s learn from nations like Uganda and Morocco, where citizens rally behind their own unconditionally.  

When Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei breaks world records, Ugandans don’t dismiss his achievements because President Museveni supports him. When Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali dominates the steeplechase, Moroccans don’t cheer for Ethiopia or Kenya instead because their government funded his training. Why? Because athletic pride—like diplomatic representation—is about national identity, not partisan politics or tribal allegiance.  

Yet in Kenya, some reduce even global contests to petty grudges. Tribalizing international opportunities is self-sabotage. Supporting Kenyan talent isn’t about endorsing a leader or tribe—it’s about elevating our flag. Let’s start acting like a nation that takes pride in its people, not one that undermines them over domestic squabbles.