Didmus Barasa predicts Raila Odinga’s AUC victory, mocks doubters on X
By Steve Ireri, February 13, 2025Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has come out with a bold prediction, declaring that of the three candidates vying for the African Union Commission’s (AUC) chairmanship, Kenya’s Raila Odinga will emerge victorious as the 6th head of the continental body.
In a fiery post shared on X today, Thursday, February 13, 2025, Barasa dismissed doubters, drawing parallels between Odinga’s bid and William Ruto’s 2022 presidential victory—both of which he argued were underestimated.
The outspoken lawmaker did not hold back, ridiculing skeptics as noisy characters who failed to see the political tide shifting in Odinga’s favor.
The lawmaker reminded naysayers that they had similarly dismissed Ruto’s chances in 2022, only for him to clinch the presidency against all odds.
Barasa recalled how critics had thrown words at Ruto’s supporters, scoffing at the idea of his victory, yet he went on to secure the highest office in the land. Now, he argued, the same pattern was unfolding—Odinga’s detractors were loudly rejecting the possibility of his AUC triumph, but just like before, they would be left eating their words.
“When we told the noisy characters on X that @WilliamsRuto will be president, walirusha maneno sana mwishowe Hustler akatawala,” he posted, emphasizing how history was repeating itself.
“When we tell them now that @RailaOdinga will win pale AUC bado wanarusha maneno! Bunch ya mafala😃😃😃😃🎤,” he added, sealing his message with the hashtag #RailaForAfrica.
AUC final phase
Barasa’s remarks come as the African Union Commission (AUC) elections enter their decisive stage today, February 13, 2025, with key votes happening in Addis Ababa.
The elections, whose first arrangements were scheduled to begin yesterday, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, are being conducted in a two-phase process to determine the continent’s top leadership.
In the first phase, the AU Executive Council—comprising foreign ministers from member states—is selecting and appointing commissioners to oversee various AU portfolios. This stage is crucial as it sets the groundwork for the leadership structure that will guide the organization’s policies and initiatives.
The second and most anticipated phase will take place on February 15-16, 2025, when the Assembly of Heads of State and government will convene to vote for the AUC chairperson and deputy chairpersons.
It is during this final stage that Raila Odinga’s fate will be determined, alongside his competitors vying for the influential seat.
Raila’s diplomatic Push
With the political battleground set and only two days left until the decisive vote, it remains to be seen whether Raila Odinga will clinch the coveted AUC chairmanship.
He has been engaged in an extensive diplomatic charm offensive, rallying support across the continent.
His campaign gained significant momentum on February 12, 2025, after he concluded a diplomatic tour that included a meeting with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye in Bujumbura.
“I will be heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the final stretch, and I thank you all for your unwavering support and prayers throughout the journey of my candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairmanship,” Odinga stated in a post on Facebook.
Odinga’s bid has garnered backing from more than 28 African heads of state, including leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda, among others.
His main competitor, Moussa Faki Mahamat’s advisor Mohamed Mahmoud, is also in the race, alongside Mauritius’ Anil Kumarsingh Gayan and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.