‘It is Africa which has lost not Baba’ – Moses Kuria speaks on Raila’s AUC loss
By Mustafa Juma, February 16, 2025Senior Advisor in the Council of Economic Advisors at State House, Nairobi, Moses Kuria has stirred debate with his reaction to Kenya’s candidate Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Taking to his official social media accounts shortly after Djibouti candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was declared the winner, Kuria seemed to have mocked the African continent over Raila’s loss of the contest.
The former Cabinet Secretary claimed that Africa, not Raila, was the true loser in the contest, suggesting that the continent had lost out on his leadership and vision.
Kuria on utilizing Raila
Kuria, in the statement shared via his official X account on the evening of Saturday, February 15, 2025, stated that Kenya would utilize Raila to benefit from what Africa has lost.
In the post that has since attracted over 2,000 comments, Kuria said that the country was going to keep Raila for its own benefit.
“It is Africa which has lost, not Baba. The challenges ahead are immense for Africa. It is Africa which has lost the mature leadership and drive. As a country, we will keep Baba to ourselves and benefit from what Africa has lost,” Kuria stated.
It is Africa which has lost not Baba. The challenges ahead are immense for Africa. It is Africa which has lost the mature leadership and drive. As a country we will keep Baba to ourselves and benefit from what Africa has lost.
— Hon.Moses Kuria,HSC (@HonMoses_Kuria) February 15, 2025
Kuria’s remarks have drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters of Odinga saw his statement as a show of solidarity, emphasizing Raila’s vast political experience and commitment to African leadership. However, critics perceived it as sarcastic, given Kuria’s history of political rivalry with Raila.
Some, however, celebrated Raila’s fall at the AUC elections, claiming that the former prime minister was riding on the blood of Gen Z’s who lost their lives during the anti-government protests in June 2024.
Kaluma on Raila’s loss
Kuria’s remarks come after Homa Bay Town Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma, who was also not satisfied with Raila’s loss, hinted at a plan to petition the withdrawal of the East African Community (EAC) from the African Union (AU).
Taking to his official X account on Saturday, February 15, 2025, just moments after Djibouti candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was declared the new AUC chairman, Kaluma said that he will personally file the petition.
“I will petition the withdrawal of the East African Community from the African Union,” Kaluma stated.
