Raila loses race for AU Commission presidency

Raila Odinga's moment of responsibility drew closer as African leaders gathered at the African Union (AU) headquarters to elect the AU Commission Chair. The African Union (AU) Commission Chair election is over.  It was won and it was a tough fight. Kenyans gave it their all, played it big. It is well known that the Kenyan government ran Raila's campaign across the continent; a secretariat of experienced diplomats strategized for him and traveled the entire continent to promote his bid. Even this campaign led by Kenyan President William Ruto did not lead Raila to victory. During his campaign, Raila traveled the continent and accompanied President Ruto on several diplomatic trips to drum up support.  However, as the vote progressed, his lead shrank and he was ultimately defeated. The winner was Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, who became the seventh chair of the AUC since the commission was founded in 2002. The third candidate, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, was the first to withdraw from the race after finishing in last place.