Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Former prime minister Raila Odinga has spoken about his loss during the African Union Commission (AUC) elections.

During a dinner organised after the AUC election in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the former prime minister thanked President William Ruto for supporting his bid.

In his speech, Raila disclosed that the president did everything possible to ensure his campaign was successful.

According to the former prime minister, he was sure of the win, but other factors came in and contributed to his loss.

“President Ruto did everything possible to make the campaign a success. We were ready to win but other factors came about which you will get to hear about them soon,” Raila said.

The ODM party leader cautioned his supporters against laying blame on anybody for his loss, arguing that there will be another time.

“There should be no blame games after this. I conceded defeat and congratulated my opponent. I am not regretting. I am walking with my head talk. There will be another time and other things to do," he added.

Speaking at the same event, Ruto praised Raila for representing Kenya well despite the loss.

The head of state added that the African continent is the biggest loser for Raila's defeat, given the ODM leader was the best candidate.

“I am also proud because Baba made me proud because he was the best candidate that we had. He was always available for campaigns and traversed the continent. He was energized and drove the campaign as it should have been.

“I am disappointed. I am disappointed because Raila did not win because he was the best candidate. I have a regret for Africa that they missed an opportunity to be served by the finest of our continent," President Ruto said.

As reported earlier, Youssouf amassed 33 votes to win the vote on Saturday afternoon, February 15.

Also defeated in the race was former Madagascar Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randramandriato.

The final outcome was realised after intense rounds of secret balloting by the heads of state and government in the Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia's capital, which hosted the 38th Ordinary Session of AU's General Assembly.

With 49 heads of state partaking in the vote, the winner needed two-thirds of the total votes, translating to 33.

In round one of the vote, Raila won with 20 votes, against Mahmoud's 18 votes, and Randiamandrato's 10.

Having not met the win threshold, the ballot proceeded to the second round, in which Raila garnered 22 votes, against Mahmoud's 19 and 7 for the Madagascar candidate.

Mahmoud proceeded to the seventh round one-man and managed to court seven votes that propelled him to victory.

Source: TUKO.co.ke